|
The Parasite: Paragonimiasis is caused by Paragonimus westermani, or the lung fluke parasite. This parasitic worm is 0.3 to 0.5 inches long and is found in Japan, Korea, China, the Philippines and Indonesia. It has also been reported in parts of Africa and South America. Its life cycle begins when the eggs hatch into larvae and infect water snails. The larvae emerge from the snails and go on to infect freshwater crabs and crayfish.
When humans ingest undercooked crabs or crayfish that are harboring the lung fluke parasite, the worm makes its way to the lungs. There it produces small cysts with fibrous walls. These cysts rupture and the eggs of the worm, which are contained inside, are then coughed up. Some of the eggs are swallowed and then passed in the host's feces, which eventually end up back in the water. At this point, the life cycle starts over.
The Infection: Once inside the lungs, the worm covers itself in granulation tissue, forming a capsule around itself. These capsules can eventually ulcerate and then heal. But if the worm capsules get disseminated into the spinal chord, it can cause paralysis. If a capsule gets into the heart, it can be fatal. The infection caused by the lung fluke parasite resembles tuberculosis in many respects. The symptoms include a bad cough, bronchitis and coughing up blood. In heavy infestations, lesions may also be found in the lungs, liver and brain.
Treatment: The infection is diagnosed by finding lung fluke eggs in the sputum or feces. Sometimes radiological methods are used to look for worms in the chest cavity, but this is a less definite way to diagnose the disease. Once diagnosed, drugs such as bithionol can be used against the lung fluke, but gradual recovery usually only takes place after the worms die.
Prevention: In order to prevent infection, shellfish should be thoroughly cooked, in order to kill any larvae.
|
|
Featured in Sex Maniacs!, Episode 3 of MONSTERS INSIDE ME
Violent and manipulative, these naughty parasites have taken sex to the extreme. Highlighting the bedbug, botfly, screwworm and lung fluke.
 Check out the lung fluke in action.
See how the lung fluke affects the body.
 Download a wallpaper-sized lung fluke picture.
Visit the Monsters Inside Me video gallery.
|
