Lagochilascariasis: A Neglected Zoonosis in the Brazilian Amazon Biome and the Role of Wildlife in Its Epidemiological Chain Amidst Anthropization

Lagochilascariasis is a neglected zoonotic helminthiasis caused by Lagochilascaris minor with a complex and not well understood cycle of transmission. This parasitic disease, endemic to Latin America (especially Brazil), is linked to rural and forested areas, where humans may serve as accidental hosts. The southeastern region of the state of Pará has the highest number of cases, which gives greater epidemiological relevance to the state. Wildlife species, especially carnivores and rodents, are considered to be important as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Although lagochilascariasis can have severe clinical manifestations, including those associated with chronic soft tissue infections and possible involvement of the central nervous system, lagochilascariasis is probably underdiagnosed when our estimation makes it difficult to distinguish from manifestations of fungal and bacterial diseases. Anthropization of the Amazon Biome, both by deforestation and habitat fragmentation, and intensification of human-wildlife interaction, may be modulating the epidemiology of this parasitosis. This review seeks to summarize the present understanding of L. minor transmission routes, the contribution of wildlife to the maintenance of its cycle and how environmental alterations affect the patterns of disease. Such insights are key for One Health strategies, which merge human, animal, and environmental health approaches to reduce the burden of disease.