Lung Flukes

Question 1

What is the species of lung flukes?

Answer 1

Paragonimus westermani

Question 2

How do you get infected with lung flukes?

Answer 2

Eat raw crustacean meat infected with metacercariae

Question 3

What is the pathogenesis of lung flukes?

Answer 3

Adults pair up in fibrotic cysts in lungs and release unembryonated eggs into sputum that then get swallowed

Question 4

What are the initial symptoms of lung flukes?

Answer 4

Migratory phase: abdo pain, diarrhoea, fever and urticaria. Eosinophilia and high IgE

Question 5

Which systems can lung flukes affect?

Answer 5

Pleural (effusions/pneumothorax)
Pulmonary
CNS in kids
Migratory subcutaneous paragonimiasis

Question 6

What are the pulmonary symptom of lung flukes?

Answer 6

Chronic productive cough with brown sputum

CP, fever, night sweats

Question 7

How do you diagnose lung flukes?

Answer 7

Eggs in sputum/ faeces

Serology

Question 8

What do lung flukes eggs look like?

Answer 8

Operculated
Thick shell
Ovoid

Question 9

How do you treat lung flukes?

Answer 9

Praziquantel

Question 10

What are the vectors for lung flukes?

Answer 10

Snails and crustaceans

Question 11

How do you prevent paragonamiasis?

Answer 11

Treat all suspected cases in endemic areas
If high prevalence in a community then annually give single dose triclabendazole
WASH
Food safety inspections