Paragomiasis (Oriental fluke lung disease)

Paragonimiasis is a parasitic infection of human’s Paragonimus trematodes (flukes). The parasite lives in the lungs of the infected human and can cause respiratory illness. In addition, there are also some species that cannot mature in humans. Instead of migrating to the lungs, the immature forms of these parasites migrate through the body causing organ and tissue damage. The species that infects humans most often is Paragonimus westermani.

It has been suggested that 20 million people are infected worldwide. The bestknown species is Paragonimus westermani, which infects millions of people in Asia and Africa.

The eating of raw or insufficiently cooked crustaceans is the most common means of becoming infected with the parasite.

Manifestations: The parasite first enters the intestine after ingestion. It then burrows through the wall of the intestine to enter the body cavity so it can then migrate to the lungs. Symptoms include:

• Acute:
  • Fever
  • Diarrhoea
  • Rash
  • Cough
  • Abdominal pain
• Chronic:
  • Cough
  • Coughing may reveal sputum that contains blood

Diagnose and treatment: Eggs are demonstrated in sputum. Treatment is available.

Prevent paragomiasis (oriental fluke lung disease) by:

• Don’t eat of raw or insufficiently cooked crustaceans.

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