HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0616.002 2016-2018 12/19/2017 University of Hawaii Mail-UH Hilo research shows risk of RLW disease greater than expected Plea'Merl—
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UH Hilo research shows risk of RLW disease greater than expected
Office of Media Relations <announce@hawaii.edu> Mon, Dec 18, 2017 at 8:48 AM
To: announce@hawaii.edu
A University of Hawai'i at Hilo research group supported by
Hawai'i Island legislators is urging more control measures be
taken to lower the risks of the spread of rat lungworm (RLW)
disease.
Findings of a study headed by the Rat Lungworm Working Group at
the UH Hilo Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy(DKICP)are
described in a paper entitled "High prevalence of Angiostrongylus
cantonensis (rat lungworm)on eastern Hawai'i Island: a closer
look at life cycle traits and patterns of infection in wild rats"
published in the journal PLOS ONE. - 4 c).(
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"Our study showed almost 94 percent of the rats in the Hilo area r,
are infected with RLW,"said Susan Jarvi, director of the working rs.)
group who has been researching the progress of the disease for
more than six years. =t "
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More than 30 other countries report data on RLW, including
Australia, Brazil, Thailand and China. Jarvi suggests that due to
the lack of diagnostic tools and difficulty in diagnosis, the
disease may be underreported. Her group has been adding to the
scientific evidence that gives legislators in Hawai'i the proof
they need to become more involved.
"Hawai'i is able to take the lead globally on assessing the
effects of this debilitating disease thanks to this scientific
evidence from UH Hilo,"said Senator Kai Kahele,who represents
Hawai'i Senate District 1, which includes Hilo. "The first step in
conquering a threat is in knowing the enemy.We can get ahead of
the terrifying risks, but these results certainly show the urgency
for more research."
RLW disease is a parasitic infection that reproduces in rats and
is transferred to slugs and snails, which can, if ingested
intentionally or not, infect people.While symptoms can be mild
and flu-like, there have been cases that have resulted in long-
term disability and even death.
"UH Hilo continues to support Dr. Jarvi's efforts to safeguard
public health through her research on the system of this disease,"
noted UH Hilo Interim Chancellor Marcia Sakai. "We are exploring
alternatives with state agencies that will continue to fund this
important research,which reflects our commitment to help maintain
the health of the community."
Researchers in this study examined a total of 545 wild rats from
multiple sites in the South Hilo District of east Hawai'i Island.
Through evaluation of multiple stages and locations of development
of the infection with A. cantonensis, they were able to determine
prevalence, and examine patterns of infection.The purpose was to tea
determine how these data can be used to improve risk assessment Comm. No.
and guide research development to better prevent and control human Ref. To. C -
infection. Ref. Date FFR 9, Q 2M1
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12/19/2017 University of Hawaii Mail-UH Hilo research shows risk of RLW disease greater than expected
"Defeating this threat to our islands is essential to perpetuating
our way of life,"said Representative Chris Todd, who represents
Hilo in the Hawai'i State House of Representatives. "I believe in
the research being done at UH Hilo; their work will help us ensure
a healthy future for our keiki—we, as a legislature, need to do
more to support their mission."
DKICP and the Hawai'i Community Foundation—Medical Research
supported research in this study.Authors were from DKICP: Jarvi,
Stefano Quarta, Steven Jacquier, Kathleen Howe, Deniz Bicakci,
Crystal Dasalla, Noelle Lovesy, Kirsten Snook and Robert McHugh;
and Chris N. Niebuhr from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Animal Plant Health Inspection Service's National Wildlife
Research Center, Hawai'i Field Station in Hilo.
"The clear and present danger of this difficult-to-eradicate
disease warrants increased measures to control its spread in both
snails, slugs and rodents,"Jarvi said. "Only by deliberate
management can we hope to protect human and animal populations."
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Announcement ID number: 1513622891-8785
Announcement distribution:
-Faculty, staff, and all students at the UH Hilo campus(es)
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