Clinical features of paragonimiasis cases recently found in Japan: Parasite-specific immunoglobulin M and G antibody classes

We retrospectively analyzed clinical features in 30 patients who were refer red to our laboratory and given a diagnosis of Paragonimus westermani infec tion in 1999. Our results indicate that pleurisy with eosinophilia and domi nant immunoglobulin (Ig) M antibody are characteristic features of the earl y stage of paragonimiasis, whereas IgG antibody is dominant in the late sta ge. Thus, in addition to tests for parasite-specific IgG antibody, tests fo r IgM-class antibody should always be considered for patients with pleurisy in whom paragonimiasis is suspected.