Detection of A. cantonensis by qPCR in Laos

Humans are incidental hosts of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, a nematode with an increasingly recognised global distribution (1). Ingestion of larvae from undercooked infected snails or food contaminated with mollusc secretions can result in the migration of A. cantonensis through the human central nervous system (CNS) (2). The presence of the parasite and associated inflammation in the CNS can contribute to a meningoencephalitic syndrome, typified by a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia ≥10% of total CSF white cell count. Formal diagnosis of angiostrongyliasis is difficult as the parasite is typically present in low numbers within the CSF (3). Serological methods are limited by cross-reactivity with other helminths (4) and antibody-based methods may lack sensitivity, especially during acute illness (5).