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Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) is an emerging zoonotic parasite of increasing concern in the southeastern United States. This nematode, traditionally associated with Asia and the Pacific Islands, has expanded its range dramatically in recent decades. The parasite's life cycle involves rodents as definitive hosts, gastropods (snails and slugs) as intermediate hosts, and various organisms as paratenic hosts. In humans and other aberrant hosts like dogs, A. cantonensis can cause severe neurological disease, including eosinophilic meningitis for which it has the distinction of being the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis of humans in the world. This research aims to elucidate the transmission dynamics of A. cantonensis within coastal, freshwater, and urban ecosystems in the Southeastern USA. Focusing on urban, brackish, and freshwater habitats—including riparian zones, wetlands, lakes, and ponds—it will identify gastropod and other invertebrate hosts, assess the prevalence of A. cantonensis across terrestrial and aquatic species, and evaluate the influence of invasive species and habitat conditions on parasite persistence.
Congratulations, Håkon!!!
We look forward to following progress on your
One Health Project!
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