Severe hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis among young children in Sydney, Australia

Clin Infect Dis. 2013 Oct;57(8):1158-61. doi: 10.1093/cid/cit444. Epub 2013 Jul 9.

Abstract

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. We describe 2 cases among young children from Sydney, Australia, where locally acquired infection of children has not been reported previously. Both cases manifested as severe hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis, one resulting in death. Angiostrongyliasis must be considered in acute neurological presentations occurring among individuals who live in endemic areas.

Keywords: Angiostrongylus cantonensis; children; eosinophilia; meningoencephalitis; susceptibility-weighted imaging.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiostrongylus cantonensis / isolation & purification*
  • Animals
  • Australia
  • Brain / parasitology
  • Brain / pathology
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Meningoencephalitis / parasitology*
  • Meningoencephalitis / pathology
  • Strongylida Infections / parasitology*
  • Strongylida Infections / pathology