Intestinal angiostrongyliasis

Definition

A disease of the intestines caused by an infection with the parasitic worm Angiostrongylus costaricensis. This disease is characterised by abdominal pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting. This disease may also present with intestinal obstruction or perforation. Transmission is by ingestion of infected undercooked slugs, or food contaminated by infected slugs or their slime. Confirmation is by identification of Angiostrongylus costaricensis from a cerebrospinal fluid sample, blood sample or from a food history.

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