Paragonimiasis

**Definition:** A disease caused by an infection with the parasitic worm Paragonimus. This disease is characterised by cough or haemoptysis, or may be asymptomatic. This disease may present with other symptoms depending on the site where the parasite migrates to. Transmission is commonly by ingestion of undercooked contaminated crustaceans (crab or crayfish). Confirmation is commonly by identification of Paragonimus eggs in a sputum or faecal sample.

**Long 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:** - Infestation due to Paragonimus species - infection due to Paragonimus species - lung fluke disease