Growth and localization of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the molluscan host, Achatina fulica.

The development of the rat lung worm Angiostrongylus cantonensis within the giant African snail Achatina fulica is reported. In this host, ingested first stage larvae penetrate the intestinal wall into the hemocoel and migrate to the mantle where they undergo two molts and become third stage larvae within 24 days. The mantle, harboring 85% of the total number recovered is the major location of infective larvae. The kidney contains about 11% but few larvae are found in the remaining visceral organs. Host response consists of encapsulation; destruction by means of phagocytosis was not observed.