Paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasitic infection caused by the lung fluke, most commonly Paragonimus westermani. Infection in humans mainly occurs by ingestion of raw or undercooked freshwater crabs or crayfishes. It infects an estimated 22 million people worldwide.[1] It is particularly common in East Asia. In China it has 2 different species the Paragonimus westermani and Pagumogonimus skrjabini. Treatment is with praziquantel, an antiparasitic drug.
References
^ Haswell-Elkins MR, Elkins DB. Lung and liver flukes. In : Leslie C, Albert B, Max S, editors. Topley and Wilson's Microbiology and Microbial Infections. Vol 5. 9th Ed. New York: Oxford University Press Inc; 1998. p. 507-20.
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