PARAGONIMIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Paragonimiasis is a medical condition caused by the parasitic infection of Paragonimus species, particularly Paragonimus westermani, commonly known as lung flukes. This disease predominantly affects the lungs but can also involve other organs such as the brain and liver.
Upon infection, the parasitic larvae enter the human body through the consumption of undercooked or raw freshwater crustaceans, such as crabs and crayfish, which harbor the parasite. The larvae then migrate through various tissues, eventually reaching the lungs where they mature into adult flukes.
Symptoms of paragonimiasis may vary depending on the affected organs and the stage of infection. The most common manifestations include chronic cough, chest pain, sputum production containing blood, and fevers. In severe cases, individuals may experience neurological symptoms, such as seizures and headaches, if the parasites migrate to the brain.
Diagnosis of paragonimiasis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging techniques, and laboratory tests. Chest X-rays and CT scans can aid in identifying characteristic lung lesions caused by the presence of the flukes. A definitive diagnosis can be made by detecting the eggs of the parasite in the sputum or stool samples.
Treatment of paragonimiasis typically involves the administration of antiparasitic medications, such as praziquantel or triclabendazole, to eliminate the adult flukes. Supportive care may also be required to alleviate symptoms and manage complications. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove the parasites or drain abscesses.
Preventing paragonimiasis is primarily achieved through proper cooking of freshwater crustaceans and avoiding the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood. Educational campaigns and awareness about the disease are also crucial in regions
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Infestation with a worm of the genus Paragonimus, especially P. westermanni; distomiasis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARAGONIMIASIS
- oaragonimiasis
- laragonimiasis
- -aragonimiasis
- 0aragonimiasis
- pzragonimiasis
- psragonimiasis
- pwragonimiasis
- pqragonimiasis
- paeagonimiasis
- padagonimiasis
- pafagonimiasis
- patagonimiasis
- pa5agonimiasis
- pa4agonimiasis
- parzgonimiasis
- parsgonimiasis
- parwgonimiasis
- parqgonimiasis
- parafonimiasis
- paravonimiasis
Etymology of PARAGONIMIASIS
The word "Paragonimiasis" is derived from the Greek words "paragonimos", meaning "comparable" or "equal", and "iasis", meaning "condition" or "disease". Paragonimiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the genus Paragonimus, which includes various species of lung flukes. The name "Paragonimiasis" reflects the comparable or similar symptoms and characteristics exhibited by individuals affected by this parasite.
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