Resumen

SOLORZANO ALAVA, Luis Fernando et al. Angiostrongylus cantonensisan emerging parasite in Ecuador. Rev Cubana Med Trop [online]. 2014, vol.66, n.1, pp.20-33. ISSN 0375-0760.

Introduction: the presence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and the first cases of eosinophilic meningitis, an emerging disease caused by its larvae, were first reported in Ecuador in the year 2008. Methods: a review was conducted of the basic and current bibliography on general aspects of Angiostrongylus cantonensis both worldwide and in Ecuador, including parasitological, clinical and malacological findings. Results: initial findings are reported about the emergence of the parasite in Ecuador, as well as the broad geographic distribution of its intermediate hosts in the national territory. Information is also provided about outbreaks of eosinophilic meningitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis and a case of ocular angiostrongylosis, based on official reports by the Ministry of Public Health. Conclusions: Angiostrongylus cantonensis is an emerging parasite in Ecuador whose diagnosis is currently based on clinical and epidemiological findings. Hence the importance of developing relevant laboratory methods. On the other hand, it is important to foster health promotion and prevention campaigns aimed at stopping the transmission of the disease.

Palabras clave : Angiostrongylus cantonensis; eosinophilic meningitis; intermediate host; definitive host.

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