Paragonimus and Paragonimiasis

Abstract

The arrangement of spines, the shape of ovary and testes, the nature of eggs, and the relative size of oral and ventral suckers are good criteria for differentiating adult Paragonimus species. This chapter discusses some the characteristics of the species of Paragonimus. The symptomatology and the sero-immunological diagnosis related to Paragonimus are also reviewed. A reliable diagnosis of paragonimiasis depends on the recovery of Paragonimus eggs from the sputum or faeces. The intradermal test, complement fixation test, and other serological tests are all supplementary diagnostic methods. However, the sero-immunological techniques are now playing an important role in the diagnosis of paragonimiasis, especially extrapulmonary paragonimiasis, in the evaluation of the therapeutic effect and in the differential diagnosis between the species of Paragonimus. The chapter also discusses the treatment of Paragonimus. Bithionol is the drug of choice for the treatment of pulmonary paragonimiasis, and is effective for the treatment of cutaneous paragonimiasis.