Paragonimiasis

Definition

A disease caused by Paragonimus spp. (most frequently P. westermani). The larvae invade various organs of the body, especially the lungs, where a granulomatous reaction with development of fibrotic encapsulation occurs. Characterized by cough, haemoptysis, chest pain, low-grade fever, and breathlessness with the possible development of bronchiectasis and lung abscesses. The larvae do not grow fully in the human body but migrate, especially in the chest region, and often cause spontaneous pneumothorax as a result of penetration through the visceral pleura. Some species localize preferentially in subcutaneous nodules or in the central nervous system, in which case there are no pulmonary findings.

Inclusions

• lung fluke disease
• infection due to paragonimus species
• Infestation due to Paragonimus species

Index Terms