[Paragonimiasis of the lung]

Paragonimiasis results from infection with a trematode worm, P. Westermani or, less commonly, one of the many of the other Paragonimus species (for instance: Paragonimus africanus). It usually affects the lung with manifestation of chronic cough, hemoptysis and roentgenographic infiltrates, alterations that can be difficult to distinguish from the lesions of tuberculosis. The diagnosis is established by the finding of Paragonimus eggs in the sputum or stool. On the basis of a case report on pulmonary paragonimiasis characterised by some peculiarities in a Congolese the clinical and roentgenological as well as the pathological features of pulmonary paragonimiasis are shortly described. The importance of this parasitosis is emphasized because of increasing migration of people from endemic areas to European countries.