Watch for worms caused by worms

Previously, we still thought that meningitis was caused by a virus, but actually meningitis also had another reason that was caused by worms .

This worm has a scientific name, Angiostrongylus cantonensis , is a round worms, parasitic, in the larval stage they live in aquatic species like snails, often found in snails and snails. When adults turn to live parasites in hosts such as frogs, mice .

Angiostrongylus cantonensis moves through the intestine, into the bloodstream, through the heart and then fills up in the brain. Sometimes they also enter the eye (eyeball) causing retinal detachment. Research topic Complete the biologic set of Elisa for diagnosis of meningitis - meningitis by Angiostrongylus cantonensis of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Thi Xuan, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy to serve the correct diagnosis and treatment effective for patients.

According to the team's findings, meningitis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis has been present in Vietnam for a long time, and the typical case is in Saigon in 1965. In Hanoi, there have been 8 cases since 2004 (7 children). me and 1 adult). In 2006, at the Eye Hospital, 4 cases of this worm were caught in the eye. And recently, in 2007, a patient with this worm's meningitis from Soc Trang transferred to Children's Hospital 1 was killed due to late detection.

In the opinion of scientists, this is a practical project, with practical benefits for clinical and subclinical diagnosis, because it will help patients treat promptly and effectively. sequelae later and if successful production will help to proactively supply and cost.

Angiostrongylus cantonensis parasite parasites on snails
(Photo: medscape.com)

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