EOSINOPHILIC MENINGITIS DUE TO ANGIOSTRON GYLUS-CANTONENSIS

Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common etiological agent of eo sinophilic meningitis. Adults are harbored in the pulmonary arteries o f rats. larvae develop within various natural (mollusks) and parateric (snails...) hosts. After ingestion, larvae reach the human central ne rvous system where they cannot complete their life cycle. This zoonosi s is usually seen in Southeast Asia and South Pacific islands. Neverth less, a few imported cases have been reported in Western countries, po ssible because of the incubation delay, Mild meningeal irritation sign s, paresthesia, cranial nerve abnormalities (i.e: II, III, VI, VII) ar e the most usual by encountered signs. Severe cases with brain involve ment have been reported in endemic areas, typical clinical signs assoc iated with C.S.F. eosinophilic pleocytosis allow the diagnosis but Eli sa test may be useful Prognosis is always excellent even if headache a nd malaise may last a few weeks. No antihelminthic agent is efficient against Angiostrongylus cantonensis. Prophylaxia by public health coun selling program is fruitful.