Pulmonary distomatosis: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of paragonimiasis

By Cristiano Antonino On Nov 17, 2022

Health slider

Pulmonary distomatosis (or paragonimiasis) is an infection of the lung system, caused by the parasite Paragonimus westermani, which lives and develops in numerous species (paratenic or definitive hosts)

The areas most at risk of infection are areas of high water contamination.

How paragonimiasis is transmitted

The infection can be transmitted by insect vectors or by animals living in polluted water.

The contamination cycle begins with the eggs of the parasite, which can be eliminated through faeces or sputum.

The eggs not only pollute the water, but also turn into larvae (the metacercariae) that, in turn, prey on crustaceans.

Transmission of the metacercariae spreads to humans by ingesting them undercooked or raw or by drinking contaminated water.

The parasites from the intestine are able to perforate and enter the peritoneum, then reach the diaphragm to localise in the bronchi, where they transform into adult worms and are able to survive for a long time, reproducing the biological cycle.

How pulmonary distomatosis manifests itself

The parasite’s attack on the immune system produces a series of chain complications that begin with bronchitis and can escalate to respiratory failure.

Possible complications of pulmonary distomatosis include damage to the brain and muscular system (symptomatology depends on the location of the parasite).

However, it should be noted that the latter are rare.

The infection is diagnosed by subjecting the subject to lung X-rays, serological investigations and sputum examination.