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The Secret of Lung Parasites: Do you know how Japanese Paragonimus affects human health?
Japanese lung fluke (Paragonimus westermani), a common parasite, has long been a threat to human health, especially in East Asia and South America. The parasite is transmitted to humans primarily through consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans. This article will take a closer look at the biology, life cycle, epidemiology of this parasite, and its impact on human health.
Biological characteristics of parasites
Japanese lung fluke looks similar to coffee beans, with a living length of 7.5 mm to 12 mm and a width of 4 mm to 6 mm. Its epidermis is covered with scale-like spines and has oral and dorsal suckers. These suckers help it attach to the host's lungs and allow it to grow and reproduce.
"Once inside the lungs, the parasites stimulate an inflammatory response, forming granulation tissue that envelops the parasite."
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Paragonimus japonicus is quite complex and involves two intermediate hosts. First, the eggs are excreted by humans or cats, develop in the water and hatch into larvae, which invade freshwater snails. The larvae develop into tadpoles in the snail and then into a second intermediate host, such as a freshwater crab. When humans eat infected crabs raw, the parasites travel to the intestines, penetrate the abdominal wall and diaphragm, enter the lungs, and eventually grow into adult worms.
Epidemiology and transmission
Infection with Lung Fluke is particularly common in Southeast Asia, which is related to the local people's eating habits. Eating raw seafood is very popular in these countries. Studies have shown that about 80% of freshwater crabs may carry this parasite. After being picked, crabs are usually pickled in wine, but this treatment does not kill the parasite eggs, leading to a higher risk of infection.
Health Effects of Lung Parasites"In one study in China, eating raw crab meat resulted in an infection rate of up to 100%."
After infection with Paragonimiasis japonicum, patients usually experience acute or chronic respiratory symptoms. Symptoms in the acute phase include fever, cough and abdominal pain, while the chronic phase is mainly characterized by persistent cough and sputum. In severe cases, parasites may cause lung ulcers and even affect the central nervous system, leading to serious consequences such as paralysis.
Diagnosis and treatment
The main method of diagnosing L. japonicum infection is by microscopic examination of ova in sputum or stool. According to the US CDC, the first choice drug for treating the disease is Praziquantel, which is usually used to eliminate parasites. Antibody testing is also an effective diagnostic method for mild infections.
Public health and prevention measures
The key to preventing infection with Paragonimiasis japonicum is to improve food hygiene, emphasizing safe cooking techniques and hygienic habits in handling raw foods. This includes avoiding eating raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans to reduce the risk of infection.
“Improving dietary culture to reduce the risk of infection is an important measure to prevent epidemics.”
With the acceleration of globalization, infection with Paragonimiasis japonicum is no longer limited to traditional hotspots, and population mobility has exposed other areas to the threat of this parasite. This has drawn more attention to the pathways and mechanisms of parasite transmission in order to develop more effective public health strategies. With such a far-reaching parasite at stake, have you ever considered how your dietary choices may affect your health?
