Pulmonary paragonimiasis: diagnostic value of pleural fluid analysis

Pleural fluid studies showing a glucose value of less than 10 mg/dl, an LDH level greater than 1,000 IU/L, eosinophilia, a high protein value, and low pH are characteristic of paragonimiasis. In a patient with a pleural effusion and compatible clinical, radiologic, and serologic findings, pleural fluid analysis will allow diagnosis with reasonable certainty even in the absence of positive ova studies, and is useful in distinguishing paragonimiasis from tuberculosis.