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Summary
Human paragonimiasis is endemic in parts of Nigeria and Cameroon, caused by Paragonimus species. Infection rates reach 10% in endemic areas, but the disease responds well to bithionol treatment.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Human paragonimiasis is a parasitic lung disease caused by Paragonimus trematodes.
- While recorded in four West African nations, endemicity is confirmed in specific regions of Nigeria and Cameroon.
- Distinct parasite species, Paragonimus uterobilateralis in Nigeria and P. africanus in Cameroon, are prevalent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology of human paragonimiasis in West Africa.
- To identify the primary parasite species and vectors in endemic regions.
- To assess infection rates and treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data on human paragonimiasis in West Africa.
- Identification of dominant Paragonimus species in Nigeria and Cameroon.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies utilizing Paragonimus skin tests.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes with bithionol.
Main Results:
- Endemicity of human paragonimiasis is established in Nigeria and Cameroon.
- Paragonimus uterobilateralis and P. africanus are the dominant species in Nigeria and Cameroon, respectively.
- Crabs Sudanonautes africanus and S. aubryi are confirmed vectors in Nigeria.
- Paragonimus skin tests indicate infection rates of 5-10% in some endemic areas.
- Bithionol is an effective treatment for African paragonimiasis.
Conclusions:
- Human paragonimiasis is a significant public health concern in endemic areas of Nigeria and Cameroon.
- Control strategies should target identified parasite species and their crab vectors.
- Effective treatment options, such as bithionol, are available for managing the disease.