Key points
- Diagnosis of rat lungworm caused by either species can be difficult.
- There is no readily available blood test for diagnosis of rat lungworm.
- Recent travel to areas where the parasite is found, or consumption of undercooked or raw snails or slugs, can help with diagnosis.
Testing methods
Angiostrongylus cantonensis
Diagnosing A. cantonensis infections can be difficult, in part because there are no readily available blood tests. Important clues that could lead to the diagnosis of infection are a history of travel to where the parasite is known to be found and ingestion of raw or undercooked snails, slugs, or possibly transport hosts (such as frogs, freshwater shrimp or land crabs) in those areas. A high level of eosinophils, a blood cell that can be elevated in the presence of a parasite, in the blood or in the fluid that surrounds the brain can be another important clue. If you are worried that you may be infected with rat lungworm disease, consult your healthcare provider.
Angiostrongylus costaricensis
Diagnosing A. costaricensis infections can be difficult, in part because there are no readily available blood tests. Important clues that could lead to the diagnosis of infection are a history of travel to where the parasite is known to be found and ingestion of raw or undercooked slugs or food contaminated by infected slugs or their slime. A high blood level of eosinophils, a blood cell that can be elevated in the presence of a parasite, can be another important clue. If you are worried that you may be infected with rat lungworm disease, consult your healthcare provider.