The tingling sensation in your feet is usually the result of poor blood circulation. But often, it is an indicator of a much more nightmare scenario. Parasites set up a store in the brain after previously incubating in rodents, slugs and snails. Unfortunately, this was a recent situation for a 30-year-old woman. New England Journal of Medicine Case study.
What is lungworm disease in rats?
Lungworm disease in rats Caused by the body’s immune response to parasites Angiostrongylus cantonensis. A. Cantonensis The life cycle begins after the rat eats infected snails or slugs. When ingested, the parasite migrates into the rodent’s lungs and lays eggs. After becoming the first stage larva, A. Cantonensis It is then excreted in rat feces eaten by snails and slugs. Parasite larvae mature inside gastropods and cycles are repeated.
However, sometimes other animals and even plants can be involved, laying the foundation for human transmission. Species such as land crabs and freshwater shrimp are also snacked on infected slugs and snails, which can increase the spread of parasites. On the other hand, larvae can accumulate on gastropod slimes as they move across fruits and vegetables. Humans can then become hosts after improperly washing leafless vegetables and undercooked crustaceans. A combination of some of these reasons is how the patient was infected in her match with rat lungworm disease.
Travel nightmare
With this Case studiesthe patient’s symptoms initially appeared relatively harmless. A few days after returning from a three-week overseas trip, including stops in Japan, Thailand and Hawaii, the woman began to experience a gentle burning sensation in her feet. She originally caused problems to jet lag, but the pain eventually increased and she began to feel a severe headache.
The results of her first emergency room visit showed a slight increase in white blood cell count, indicating that she was at least fighting some type of infection. The woman visited another hospital a few days later, as the solution and condition had not deteriorated, but this time she also had a mild fever. Intravenous anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety medications seemed to have helped her in the end, and then doctors were discharged again.
After awakening the next day, the woman began packing for another holiday. However, there was a bit of a problem. She never actually booked a second trip. The patient’s roommate noticed the confusion and encouraged the female partner to return to bed, informing her behavior of concern. A few hours later she found herself in the hospital again.
Further blood tests and CT scans showed no evidence of parasites. Finally, a lumbar puncture to assess her cerebrospinal fluid revealed signs of a rare brain infection caused by a parasite known as eosinophilic meningitis. After considering her recent trip and continued worsening symptoms, doctors believed they could ultimately identify the perpetrator with confidence. Angiostrongylus cantonensis.
Healthy results
Angio Strongyliasis can become serious if left untreated. For example, in 2010, A 19-year-old Australian has become ill After getting drunk and dared to consume live slugs. The patient eventually entered a coma for nearly 14 months, and he was paralyzed from the lower back until he died of a related complication in 2018.
In this recent case, the situation does not seem so tragic. After six days in the hospital and two weeks of drug regimen that includes prednisone, albendazole and other drugs, the patient appears to be symptoms free and appears to be in much better health in the absence of unnecessary invaders in the body.
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