Angiostrongylus vasorum: the 'French Heartworm'.

Angiostrongylus vasorum which is commonly known as 'French heartworm' is a snail-born parasitic disease affecting the members of the Canidae family. This parasite has a cosmopolitan distribution covering tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. However, its distribution is characterised by isolated endemic foci, with only sporadic occurrences outside this areas. During the last two decades, several sporadic occurrences in old and new endemic areas have been documented by the researchers. However, the spread of infection and dynamic consequences of this parasite in final host has not been clarified yet. Therefore, this review will focus on the morphology, biology, clinical significant as well as management of this parasitic disease.