Cutaneous paragonimiasis in man in Honduras

Area of Science:

• Medical Parasitology
• Dermatopathology

Background:

• Paragonimiasis is a parasitic lung disease caused by trematode worms of the Paragonimus genus.
• Human infections are typically acquired by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans harboring metacercarial larvae.
• Cutaneous manifestations of paragonimiasis are rare, with most infections affecting the lungs.

Observation:

• A worm, identified as Paragonimus sp. based on histopathologic examination of skin sections.
• The patient was a 31-year-old male residing in Honduras.
• The recovered worm was immature, precluding definitive species-level identification.

Findings:

• Histopathologic evidence of Paragonimus sp. in human skin.
• This constitutes the second reported human case of paragonimiasis in Honduras.
• The specific species of Paragonimus could not be determined due to the immaturity of the worm.

Implications:

• Highlights the potential for aberrant cutaneous migration of Paragonimus species in endemic areas.
• Underscores the importance of considering parasitic infections in dermatologic differential diagnoses, even in non-pulmonary locations.
• Suggests a need for increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for paragonimiasis in Honduras and potentially other regions with similar ecological factors.