Eosinophilic meningitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis

Definition

A disease of the meninges caused by an infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis. This disease is characterised by fever, headache, stiffness of the neck, nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, or paraesthesia. This disease may also present with abscesses, cerebral oedema, haemorrhage, diplopia, ataxia, or blindness. Transmission is by ingestion of infected undercooked snails, slugs, or transport hosts (such as frogs, fresh water shrimp, or land crabs). Confirmation is by identification of Angiostrongylus cantonensis from a cerebrospinal fluid sample, blood sample, or from a food history.

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