Re-emergence of paragonimiasis in Kyushu, Japan

During 1986-1998 we found 104 paragonimiasis cases, which were referred to our laboratory for immunodiagnosis or identification of parasite eggs in sputum or bronchoscopic aspirate smears, or in histopathological sections. A majority of patients were middle-aged males. Except for 2 cases of chronic occult infection in an unexpected site, 102 cases were assumed as having active infection. Abnormal findings in chest radiograms were noted over 80% of the patients, though about 20% of them were asymptomatic. Parasite egg detection rates in sputum or bronchoscopic aspirate smears were about 50%. About 80% of patients have eosinophilia and/or elevated serum IgE level. Paragonimiasis is a re-emerging public health issue in Kyushu, Japan.