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Author: Morgan-Olvera, Ashley
Email: arm001@shsu.edu
Phone: 2814132789
Organization: Texas Invasive Species Institute
Address:
2424 Sam Houston Ave,
Hu,
TX,
77341
Abstract Title: FOUR INVASIVE MOLLUSKS IN TEXAS AND THEIR ABILITY TO TRANSMIT ANGIOSTRONGYLUS NEMATODES: AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND HUMAN HEALTH CONCERN. Ashley R. Morgan-Olvera*, Alexandra Herrera Martinez and Autumn J. Smith-Herron, Texas Invasive Species Institute, Huntsville, TX.
Abstract Text: Four invasive mollusk species established in Texas pose a potential threat to human health by serving as intermediate hosts to the rat lungworm (nematode), Angiostrongylus cantonensis (human eosinophilic meningitis) and A. costaricensis (abdominal angiostrongyliasis). Besides humans and rats, these two nematode species can infect many other mammals including domestic pets; and Angiostrongylus species have been reported from paratenic hosts like crawfishes, shrimps and centipedes, demonstrating their persistence and adaptability. These parasites are commonly acquired through the ingestion of raw or undercooked snails or slugs, or through the ingestion of vegetables/fruits contaminated with an infected snail/slug feces or slime trail. Overall, Angiostrongylus spp. studies are lacking in Texas and with the spread and establishment of invasive species on the rise, community stewardship programs are rapidly becoming the key to environmental and human health awareness. TISI is proposing a statewide human Angiostrongyliasis awareness and research program. This program involves a statewide early detection, rapid response, and community education and outreach program to raise awareness of this potential threat to humans and domestic animals. Our study focuses on three invasive slug species (Belocaulus angustipes, Limax maximus and L. flavus), and one invasive apple snail species (Pomacea insularum, syn. P. maculata). All of these intermediate hosts can transmit both Angiostrongylus species in their native and invasive ranges. With Angiostrongylus costaricensis being native to Central America, and A. cantonensis being reported in other southeastern states such as Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, this slug/parasite complex poses a realistic threat.
Conference
Year: TIPPC_2018
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Presenter Type (Student or Regular): Regular
Session: 2. Early Detection and Rapid Response
Submission Date: 2018-09-06
