Predictive Approach to Mapping Angiostrongylus cantonensis Nematode Distribution, Canary Islands, Spain

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, known as the rat lungworm, is an invasive parasite originally endemic to Southeast Asia that has spread to all continents except Antarctica in recent decades. This parasite causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans, a serious disease called neuroangiostrongyliasis. Research on Tenerife in the Canary Islands detected the parasite in populations of snails, rats, and lizards with prevalence ranging from 2.4 to 41.6 percent. Species distribution modeling showed that precipitation seasonality is the main driver of habitat suitability, while tree cover and climatic variability primarily shape prevalence patterns. Suitable habitats were identified in northeastern Tenerife and several western Canary Islands, with limited overlap with areas of dense human population. Although no human infections have been reported, continued vigilance is warranted because the parasite is already established on Tenerife.