Angiostrongyliasis is a food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by nematode worms of the genus Angiostrongylus. Over 20 species of Angiostrongylus are currently recognized. Two species, A. cantonensis and A. costaricensis, are considered pathogenic agents when the larvae accidentally parasitise man. Angiostrongylus cantonensis was discovered in Guangzhou (Canton), China, in 1935. Angiostrongylus costaricensis was discovered in Costa Rica in 1967.
