Investigation of epidemic foci of <I>Angiostrongylus cantonentsis</I> in Hangzhou and the surrounding areas

Objective　The study was conducted to investigate the distribution of apple snails (Ampullariidae) in Hangzhou and the surrounding areas so as to identify IAngiostrongylus cantontensis/I infections in these snails. Methods　In-depth field surveys were performed in mainstream farmers markets, restaurants (13 markets and 20 restaurants) to assess the sales of apple snails. A total of 195 apple snails were collected from the environment in the vicinity of Hangzhou city and from snail farms in order to identify IAngiostrongylus cantontensis/I infection using lung and tissue homogenization. Results Sales of apple snails were active in various mainstream markets, and some of the supply to Sichuan and Cantonese restaurants originated from other provinces. A large number of apple snails lived in the surrounding areas of Hangzhou. Phase III larva of Angiostrongylus cantonensis were found in those captured in the Yan River of Shaoxing, the positive rate being 0.75%. Conclusion　IAngiostrongylus cantontensis/I infected apple snails were found living in the southern area of China apart from Zhejiang province. Therefore, intensified surveillance, as well as broader health education, was needed for the prevention of angiostrongyliasis.