Paragonimiasis: a rare infection in Europe

BACKGROUND: Paragonimiasis, caused by a lung fluke, is an parasitic disease rarely encountered in France. CASE REPORT: A 52-year-old man developed dyspnea, cough, mild fever and che st pain. Pleural effusion suggested possible pulmonary embolism or tubercul osis. Cell counts in blood and pleural effusion fluid revealed major eosino phila in this patient who had recently returned from a trip to Japan. Parag onimiasis was confined by ELISA. Treatment with praziquantel led to complet e clinical and radiographic recovery. DISCUSSION: The clinical and radiographic features of paragonimiasis are of ten similar to tuberculosis with pleuropneumopathy, mild fever and dyspnea. ELISA has now replaced parasitologic diagnosis. Cure is achieved with praz iquantel.