Angiostrongylidae

Angiostrongylidae is a family of nematodes, or roundworms, that are primarily parasitic in nature. They belong to the order Strongylida, and are known to infect a variety of hosts, including humans, other mammals, and mollusks.

Angiostrongylus_cantonensis

Overview

The family Angiostrongylidae includes several genera, such as Angiostrongylus, Aelurostrongylus, and Parastrongylus, among others. These parasites are typically characterized by their complex life cycles, which often involve intermediate and definitive hosts.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Angiostrongylidae typically begins when the eggs are excreted in the feces of the definitive host. These eggs then hatch into larvae, which are ingested by an intermediate host, usually a mollusk. The larvae mature within the intermediate host, and are then ingested by the definitive host, where they mature into adults and reproduce.

Pathology

Infections caused by Angiostrongylidae can lead to a variety of diseases, depending on the species of parasite and the host. For example, Angiostrongylus cantonensis, also known as the rat lungworm, can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Similarly, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, or the cat lungworm, can cause respiratory disease in cats.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Angiostrongylidae infections typically involves the identification of eggs or larvae in the feces of the host. Treatment usually involves the administration of anthelmintic drugs, such as ivermectin or fenbendazole, which are designed to kill the parasites.

Prevention

Prevention of Angiostrongylidae infections primarily involves controlling the population of intermediate hosts, such as snails and slugs, and preventing definitive hosts from ingesting them. This can be achieved through the use of molluscicides, or by maintaining clean and hygienic living conditions for pets.

See Also

• Nematode
• Parasitology
• Zoonosis