Eosinophilic pneumonia due to the trematode parasite in the family Opisthorchiidae: species specificity and explanation by anatomical consideration

Abstract

Background Eosinophilic pneumonia is an important lung problem. The disease is usually related to an allergic reaction. Of several possible etiologies, the parasitic infection is an important cause. Several parasites have the potential to induce eosinophilic pneumonia. The larva migration in the lung is the main pathophysiological process. Focusing on a trematode in the family Opisthorchiidae, there are some reports on the possibility that the parasite might induce eosinophilic pneumonia. At present, the parasites in this family are detectable in several countries in the East, Southeast, and Central Asia including to Siberia of Russia. An interesting finding is the species specificity of the pathogenic parasites that can induce eosinophilic pneumonia. Methods In this theoretical study, the authors compare the size of the parasite larva in the three important species, Clonorchis sinensis, Opisthorchis felineus, and Opisthorchis viverrini with the bronchiole. Results According to the comparative study, it can clearly demonstrate that O. felineus has the highest chance for causing blockage and can further induce eosinophilic pneumonia. Conclusions O. felineus is the only one species of the family Opisthorchiidae that is reported as the cause of eosinophilic pneumonia.