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Paragonimus & paragonimiasis in India
T Shantikumar Singh1, Hiromu Sugiyama, Achariya Rangsiruji
1Department of Microbiology, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Gangtok, Sikkim, India. shantikumar_singh@rediffmail.com
The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|September 11, 2012
Summary
Paragonimiasis is a significant foodborne parasitic zoonosis in India, primarily caused by Paragonimus heterotremus. Infection occurs through consuming undercooked crabs, leading to pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Foodborne Pathogens
Background:
- Paragonimiasis, a foodborne parasitic zoonosis, is a recognized health concern in India since 1981.
- Previous research on paragonimiasis in India has been geographically limited, suggesting underestimation of its prevalence.
- Studies have provided insights into the epidemiology, life cycle, pathobiology, and speciation of Indian Paragonimus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate and present existing knowledge on paragonimiasis in India.
- To highlight the epidemiological and etiological aspects of Paragonimus infections in the region.
- To discuss diagnostic methods and phylogenetic relationships of Indian Paragonimus species.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research data on paragonimiasis in India.
- Identification of crab intermediate hosts and Paragonimus species described in India.
- Analysis of infection routes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic techniques, and phylogenetic data.
Main Results:
- Potamiscus manipurensis, Alcomon superciliosum, and Maydelliathelphusa lugubris identified as crab hosts.
- Seven Paragonimus species described in India: P. miyazakii manipurinus, P. hueit'ungensis, P. skrjabini, P. heterotremus, P. compactus, and P. westermani.
- Paragonimus heterotremus identified as the primary cause of human paragonimiasis, with undercooked crab ingestion as the main infection route.
- Pulmonary paragonimiasis is common, with pleural effusion and subcutaneous nodules as extra-pulmonary forms; symptoms can mimic tuberculosis.
- Intradermal tests, ELISA, and Dot-immunogold filtration assay (DIGFA) are used for diagnosis and surveys.
- Indian Paragonimus species are phylogenetically distinct within their clades.
Conclusions:
- Paragonimiasis remains a significant zoonotic disease in India, particularly in the Northeast.
- Effective diagnosis and epidemiological surveys are crucial for understanding and controlling Paragonimus infections.
- Further research is needed to fully ascertain the prevalence and impact of paragonimiasis across India.
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