Case Report: Neurological and pulmonary angiostrongylosis in a Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan

A Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan, exhibited neurological and pulmonary symptoms of angiostrongylosis caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The case highlights the potential for this endangered rodent to manifest both neurological and respiratory disease manifestations due to infection with the ac1 lineage of A. cantonensis, distinct from lineages found on nearby islands. Gross and histopathological examinations revealed nematodes in the brain, lungs, and heart, accompanied by severe inflammation, hemorrhage, edema, thrombosis, necrosis, and concurrent Aspergillus infection. This finding underscores the need for further epidemiological studies to clarify transmission dynamics involving invasive rodents, terrestrial gastropods, and potential paratenic hosts within the Amami Islands.

Shinya, S., Tokiwa, T., Sakashita, K., Yoshimura, H., Suzuki, R., Torimoto, R., Muraoka, Y., & Yamamoto, M. (2026). Case Report: Neurological and pulmonary angiostrongylosis in a Ryukyu long-furred rat (Diplothrix legata) on Amami-Oshima Island, Japan. Frontiers in Parasitology, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpara.2026.1797945