Survey on the infection of the intermediate of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in some universities in Guangzhou

Objective To know about the distribution and infection status of intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, Achatina fulica, in some representative colleges in Guangzhou and provide the scientific basis for making surveillance program. Methods Survey sites were chosen in five districts in central Guangzhou, one or two colleges in each site. Achatina fulicas were collected in wild fields where rats always appear, and detected for infection by digestion methods. Results Totally 8 survey sites, all of which have Achatina fulica distributed, were sampled in five districts in Guangzhou, where totally 292 Achatina fulicas were collected. Infected Achatina fulica were found in all of these places, except for the South China Agricultural University and the North Campus of Sun Yat-sen University. The infection rate was 16.1%(47 / 292). Conclusion Achatina fulica, the intermediate of angiostrongyliasis cantonensis, was widely distributed in Guangzhou. The intermediate and definitive hosts were infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis at different levels.