Cough and Hemoptysis in a Burmese Immigrant

Abstract

Paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasitic infection resulting from ingestion of undercooked crustaceans. Whereas uncommon in the United States, Paragonimus species are endemic in North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. Pulmonary symptoms are most com- mon, but cerebral, dermatologic, and abdominal variations are recog- nized. Diagnosis is supported by positive serologic findings and a typical exposure history. Pathologic confirmation by visualization of eggs, however, is preferred. In the subsequent case presentation, we elucidate an instance of pulmonary paragonimiasis mimicking tubercu- losis in a middle-aged Burmese female.