lung fluke

A lung fluke is a type of parasitic flatworm belonging to the class Trematoda, commonly known as flukes. The most frequent species causing infection is Paragonimus westermani, which resides in the lungs of its host. These flukes can cause an infection called paragonimiasis, particularly prevalent in East Asia.12

The life cycle involves freshwater snails as the first intermediate host, followed by freshwater crabs or crayfish. Humans become infected by consuming undercooked shellfish harboring the fluke larvae. Symptoms can mimic tuberculosis, and diagnosis involves finding fluke eggs in sputum. Treatment typically involves medication like praziquantel or bithionol. Prevention focuses on thoroughly cooking shellfish.1