Abstract:
Angiostrongyluscantonensis is a parasite causes angiostrongyliasis or eosinophilic meningitis, whichresults in severe clinical symptoms leading to death.The incidence has been reported in many areas around the world. In Thailand, eosinophilic meningitis has been continuously reported.Immunological screening is a basic technique usually used for detection.Recently, a molecular technique, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been applied for accurately detection of the parasitic infection. We developed the semi-nested PCR for the detection of A. cantonensis using specific primers for the Ac-AEP gene encoded the asparaginyl endopeptidase enzyme. Approximately 1,400 bp fragments were obtained from the outer primers, and were used for the semi-nested PCR. The second primers were successfully amplified the 500 bp PCR product. This method could be a potential tool for both detection and discrimination of A. cantonensis.