Paragonimus westermani

Definition

Paragonimus westermani is a lung fluke that causes paragonimiasis in humans. It primarily infects the lungs but can also affect other organs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Paragonimus westermani is transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked or raw freshwater crustaceans, such as crabs and crayfish.
2. The adult flukes reside in the lungs where they form cystic cavities that can lead to chronic cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis.
3. Diagnosis of paragonimiasis is typically made by identifying Paragonimus eggs in sputum or stool samples.
4. The lifecycle of Paragonimus westermani includes snails as the first intermediate host and crustaceans as the second intermediate host before reaching humans.
5. Treatment for paragonimiasis usually involves antiparasitic medications like praziquantel or triclabendazole.

Related terms

Helminths: A group of parasitic worms including flukes, tapeworms, and roundworms.

Praziquantel:

An antiparasitic medication commonly used to treat infections caused by flukes and tapeworms.

Intermediate Host:

An organism that supports the immature or non-reproductive forms of a parasite.