Rat lung worm is
**Core Concept**
Rat lung worm refers to the parasitic nematode *Angiostrongylus cantonensis*, which causes **eosinophilic meningitis** in humans. It is a zoonotic pathogen transmitted via intermediate hosts (e.g., snails, slugs) and is acquired through ingestion of contaminated raw or undercooked food.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
*Angiostrongylus cantonensis* is the primary etiologic agent of rat lung worm disease. The larvae migrate through the central nervous system (CNS), triggering an immune response characterized by elevated eosinophils in cerebrospinal fluid. Clinical presentation includes severe headache, meningismus, and cranial nerve palsies, with no specific antiparasitic treatment, necessitating supportive care.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Toxocara canis* causes visceral larva migrans, not CNS disease.
**Option B:** *Ascaris lumbricoides* infects the intestines and may cause pulmonary symptoms during larval migration.
**Option C:** *Fasciola hepatica* is a liver fluke, unrelated to CNS pathology.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Rat lung worm disease is a leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in tropical regions. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion and CSF findings (elevated eosinophils), not stool ova and parasite testing. Avoid raw snails/slug ingestion to prevent infection.
**Correct Answer: C. Angiostrongylus cantonensis**