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.