CDC warns of brain worms found in Georgia.
Parasitic Worms in Atlanta Zoo Rats Pose Possible Threat to Humans
A study published in a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal reveals that parasitic worms found in dead rats at an Atlanta zoo could potentially harm humans. The parasite, known as rat lungworm or Angiostrongylus cantonensis, can cause a rare brain infection in humans, resulting in painful skin sensations, vomiting, stiff neck, headache, and nausea.
The CDC notes that most A. cantonensis infections resolve on their own without treatment, but serious complications can occur, leading to neurological issues or even death.
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A recent study published in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal identified infections of the parasite in 33 wild brown rats found dead at an Atlanta zoological facility from 2019 to 2022. Tissue samples revealed that over 20 percent of these rats had A. cantonensis parasites in their heart, pulmonary artery, and brain tissues.
The study explains that rodents typically become infected with these parasites after consuming terrestrial gastropods, a type of mollusk.
The study warns that A. cantonensis in rat populations and other hosts in the greater Atlanta region could pose a potential threat to human and animal health. While most human infections are reported in Asia, the discovery of the parasite in wild brown rats in Georgia suggests its establishment in a new area of the southeastern United States. The parasite has previously been identified in rats in neighboring states Alabama and Florida.
The article speculates that the parasite likely existed in Georgia before 2019. Between 2011 and 2017, there were six suspected infection cases reported in Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas.
The Infection
According to the CDC, humans can become infected with A. cantonensis by consuming raw or undercooked snails or slugs that are infected with the parasite. Some cultures include snails in their diet, and occasionally, children may eat snails as part of a dare, resulting in infection. For example, in 1993, a boy from New Orleans became infected after swallowing a raw snail on a dare. The child fell ill a few weeks later, but the symptoms disappeared within two weeks without treatment.
In addition to consuming raw snails or slugs, people can also become infected by eating raw produce, such as lettuce, that may contain parts of a small slug or snail. Certain animals like frogs, crabs, and freshwater shrimp can also carry A. cantonensis. Eating them raw or undercooked can result in infection.
A. cantonensis infections usually do not require treatment as the parasites die over time. Even cases of eosinophilic meningitis, a brain infection, typically do not need antiparasitic treatment. Treatment mainly focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the body’s reaction to the parasite. However, severe meningitis cases may require alternative treatments.
The CDC advises people to avoid consuming raw or uncooked snails or slugs, frogs, and shrimp or prawns. Those handling snails or slugs should wear gloves and wash their hands. Fresh produce should be thoroughly washed, and when traveling to regions where the parasite is common, it is recommended to avoid eating uncooked vegetables.
If an individual suspects an A. cantonensis infection, it is advised to seek medical attention.
Brain Parasites
The CDC’s study on A. cantonensis parasites is part of a series of cases involving brain-infecting parasites that have garnered attention.
In August, a 16-month-old boy from Arkansas died from an infection caused by the brain-eating amoeba Naegleria fowleri. This amoeba, commonly found in soil and warm fresh water, can cause primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a disease affecting the central nervous system.
Naegleria fowleri is often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba” because it can cause a brain infection when water containing the amoeba enters the nose. Although only about three people in the United States are infected each year, these infections are usually fatal, according to the CDC. The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) stated that the child was likely exposed to the amoeba while playing in a splash pad.
In June of last year, an Australian woman had a 3-inch parasitic worm removed from her brain. Surgeons discovered a live Ophidascaris robertsi, a roundworm commonly found in carpet pythons, during an open biopsy. This case marked the first reported human infection by any species of Ophidascaris.
The scientists involved in the case noted that while visceral involvement is common in animal hosts, brain invasion by Ophidascaris larvae had not been previously reported. The patient’s weakened immune system may have facilitated the larvae’s migration into the central nervous system.
What are the potential complications of an A. cantonensis infection in humans?
Infection inAtlanta
The discovery of parasitic worms, specifically rat lungworms (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), in dead rats at an Atlanta zoo has raised concerns about potential harm to humans. Rat lungworms can cause a rare brain infection in humans, leading to symptoms such as painful skin sensations, vomiting, stiff neck, headache, and nausea. While most infections resolve on their own without treatment, serious complications can arise, including neurological issues and even death. A recent study published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, reported infections of this parasite in 33 wild brown rats found dead at an Atlanta zoological facility between 2019 and 2022. Tissue samples revealed that over 20 percent of these rats had A. cantonensis parasites in their heart, pulmonary artery, and brain tissues. The study suggests that rodents become infected with these parasites after consuming terrestrial gastropods, a type of mollusk. The presence of A. cantonensis in rat populations and other hosts in the greater Atlanta region poses a potential threat to human and animal health. While most human infections are reported in Asia, the discovery of the parasite in wild brown rats in Georgia suggests its establishment in a new area of the southeastern United States. The parasite has also been identified in rats in neighboring states, such as Alabama and Florida. Speculation suggests that the parasite likely existed in Georgia even before 2019, as suspected infection cases were reported in Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas between 2011 and 2017. Humans can become infected with A. cantonensis by consuming raw or undercooked snails or slugs that are infected with the parasite. In some cultures, snails are part of the diet, and occasionally, children may eat snails as part of a dare, resulting in infection. Properly cooking and washing produce, as well as avoiding raw or uncooked snails, slugs, and certain animals like frogs, crabs, and freshwater shrimp, can help prevent infection. In most cases, A. cantonensis infections do not require treatment, as the parasites die over time. Even cases of eosinophilic meningitis, a brain infection caused by the parasite, typically do not require antiparasitic treatment. Treatment focuses mainly on managing symptoms and reducing the body’s reaction to the parasite. Severe meningitis cases may require alternative treatments. As a preventive measure, the CDC advises individuals to avoid consuming raw or uncooked snails or slugs, frogs, and shrimp or prawns. Those handling snails or slugs should wear gloves and wash their hands thoroughly. Fresh produce should also be thoroughly washed. When traveling to regions where the parasite is common, it is recommended to avoid consuming uncooked vegetables. If an individual suspects an A. cantonensis infection, it is advised to seek medical attention. Early detection and appropriate treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent serious complications.
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