Paragonimiasis is an infection caused by Paragonimus westermani flatworms (lung flukes). The disease primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs like the brain, liver, and spleen. Infection occurs when humans ingest raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans, such as crabs or crayfish, containing the larval cysts.
. The symptoms of paragonimiasis may include: cough, often with blood (hemoptysis), chest pain and difficulty breathing, fever and chills.
Abdominal pain and eosinophilia when the infection affects other organs.
. detection of IgG antibodies indicates chronic or past infections. Early diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment, reducing the risk of complications, such as lung fibrosis or extrapulmonary involvement, improving patient outcomes, and also valuable for monitoring the efficacy of treatment.