Quantitative PCR estimates Angiostrongylus cantonensis (rat lungworm) infection levels in semi-slugs (Parmarion martensi).
The life cycle of the nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis involves rats as the definitive host and slugs and snails as intermediate hosts. Humans can become infected upon ingestion of intermediate or paratenic (passive carrier) hosts containing stage L3 A. cantonensis larvae. Here, we report a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay that provides a reliable, relative measure of parasite load in intermediate hosts. Quantification of the levels of infection of intermediate hosts is critical for determining A. cantonensis intensity on the Island of Hawaii. The identification of high intensity infection 'hotspots' will allow for more effective targeted rat and slug control measures. qPCR appears more efficient and sensitive than microscopy and provides a new tool for quantification of larvae from intermediate hosts, and potentially from other sources as well.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hilo, HI 96720, USA. jarvi@hawaii.edu
Susan I
SI
Jarvi
Margaret E M
ME
Farias
Kay
K
Howe
Steven
S
Jacquier
Robert
R
Hollingsworth
William
W
Pitt
D017185:Angiostrongylus cantonensis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000302:isolation & purification; D000818:Animals; D018509:DNA, Helminth / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D049851:Gastropoda / Q000469:parasitology*; D006254:Hawaii; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development; D059208:Parasite Load; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017206:Strongylida Infections / Q000469:parasitology
D018509:DNA, Helminth