Introduction:

The risk of parasitism by Angiostrongylus cantonensis transmitted by the giant African land snail, Lissachatina fulica is a re-emerging problem in Cuba.

Objective:

Systematize essential contents related to the giant African land snail and the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the risk of eosinophilic meningitis and its management.

Method:

A narrative review was made on the subject in the Teaching General Hospital "Dr. Agostinho Neto", between September and December 2019 through a search in electronic databases (Virtual Health Library): LILACS, PubMed, SciELO, RedALyC, Scopus, Cochrane.

Results:

The information was structured in the characterization of the African giant land snail and the risk of infection by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Cuba, pathogenesis and epidemiology of angiostrongylosis, and diagnosis and treatment of eosinophilic meningitis by this nematode. Controversies were identified regarding the diagnostic criteria, the protocol of action for its prevention and rehabilitation, and the lack of an instrument to stratify the risk of this infection.

Conclusions:

Essential content on the giant African land snail was systematized, enabling the preparation of professionals to increase the perception of the risk of infection by Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the population.

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