Paragonimiasis (distomiasis; endemic hemoptysis)

General: Chronic lung infection; causative agent is Paragonimus trematode; transmitted by eating undercooked crabs or crayfish and drinking contaminated water; affects all ages; most severe in children.

Ocular: Convergence paralysis; optic atrophy; lid cysts; dacryocystitis; papilledema; homonymous hemianopsia.

Clinical: Hemoptysis; dyspnea; fever; anorexia; weight loss; pleural effusion; pneumothorax; diarrhea; epileptic seizures; hemiplegia; leukocytosis; eosinophilia; anemia; cystic bronchiectasis; encephalitis; chronic bronchitis; intestinal or peritoneal infections; central nervous system (CNS) paragonimiasis occurs predominantly in persons under age 30 years.

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Kusner DJ, King CH. Cerebral paragonimiasis. Semin Neurol 1993; 13:201-208.

Romeo DP, et al. Pulmonary paragonimiasis: diagnostic value of pleural fluid analysis. South Med J 1986; 79: 241-243.