Research progress on etiology and epidemiology of Paragonimus heterotremus

Abstract

This article summarized the research progress on etiology and epidemiology of Paragonimus heterotremus since it was discovered and named in 1964.China has paid much attention to etiology research.Until now,Paragonimus heterotremus has been discovered in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces.The researches were mainly involved in morphology,growth process,intermediate host,isozyme,electron microscope observation and repeating parasitism as well as medicine treatment of Paragonimus heterotremas.The researches overseas began in the 1960's when several cases infected with Paragonimus heterotremus were reported in Thailand and Laos.In the 21st century,Thailand,Laos,Vietnam and India have done a wide range of epidemiology investigations on distributions,intermediate hosts,human and animal infections of Paragonimus heterotremus one after another.The conclusion was the general areas bordered on China in the north of South China Peninsula were the endemic area where Paragonimus heterotremus was the main cause of the disease.Therefore,further studies on Paragonimus heterotremus are warranted. Key words: Paragonimiasis; Paragonimus heterotremus; Epidemiology