Abstract
Lungworms in the genus Angiostrongylus cause disease in animals and humans. The spread of Angiostrongylus vasorum within Europe and the recent establishment of Angiostrongylus cantonensis increase the relevance of these species to veterinary and medical practitioners, and to researchers in parasitology, epidemiology, veterinary science and ecology. This review introduces the key members of the genus present in Europe and their impacts on health, and updates the current epidemiological situation. Expansion of A. vasorum from localized pockets to wide distribution across the continent has been confirmed by a rising prevalence in foxes and increasing reports of infection and disease in dogs, while the list of carnivore and mustelid definitive hosts continues to grow. The tropically distributed rat lungworm A. cantonensis, meanwhile, has been recorded on islands south of Europe, previously the Canary Islands, and now also the Balearic Islands, although so far with limited evidence of zoonotic disease. Other members of the genus, namely, A. chabaudi, A. daskalovi and A. dujardini, are native to Europe and mainly infect wildlife, with unknown consequences for populations, although spill-over can occur into domestic animals and those in zoological collections. The epidemiology of angiostrongylosis is complex, and further research is needed on parasite maintenance in sylvatic hosts, and on the roles of ecology, behaviour and genetics in disease emergence. Improved surveillance in animals and humans is also required to support risk assessments and management.
Highlights
Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Group, University of the Balearic Islands, University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health, University La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Academic Editor: Olivier Sparagano
The genus Angiostrongylus sits within the nematode superfamily Metastrongyloidea, alongside other lungworms that infect a wide range of mammalian species [1]
This review aims to provide an update on the current epidemiological situation of Angiostrongylus spp. in Europe, with essential information on the life cycle and pathogenesis of the different species, and to address the important knowledge gaps that limit predictions around future disease risks
Summary
The genus Angiostrongylus sits within the nematode superfamily Metastrongyloidea, alongside other lungworms that infect a wide range of mammalian species [1]. The second group of Angiostrongylus spp., infecting rodents as definitive hosts, has largely been ignored in Europe as being absent or of little significance. This has changed markedly with the arrival of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This species was previously recognized on the Canary Islands, which are territorially European but distant from the continent [9], its detection on the Balearic Islands [10] makes it indisputably present in Europe.
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