[Epidemiological study of Paragonimus sp. in south Cameroon]

A study was carried out in 1993 in south Cameroon in order to assess the changes in the incidence rate of human paragonimiasis, and to get information on the transmission pattern of Paragonimus sp. Two human cases have been recorded, and one dog was found infected in the Ntem Valley. The results suggest that a decrease of the incidence rate of paragonimiasis occurred in humans and animals. Paragonimus metacercariae were found in three species of freshwater crabs: Sudanonautes africanus, S. aubryi et S. granulatus, the latter being a new host. Prevalence of infection in crabs increased southerly, and significant seasonal changes were found. Two cats were infested with metacercariae from S. africanus, and studies are in progress to identify the parasite(s) at a specific level.