Human Paragonimiasis is caused by consumption of row or improperly cooked
crustacea infected by a larval stage (metacercaria) of the parasite. In our country it was
a highly endemic disease until the late 1960s, and after then it's prevalence has been
markedly decreased. Still, this disease is sporadically occuring and is one of the lung
diseases which need differential diagnosis in korea. Perhaps, most of it's causes is that
some families have continued to ingest undercooked crabs together, and because of this
common dietary exposure, the possibility of familial infestation may be suggested.
This report is the study which examines close relatives who have a history of
ingestion of improperly cooked crabs together with patients.
The result is followed.
All family members (15 cases) are confirmed in infestation with Paragonimiasis
regardless presence or absence of respiratory symptomes, who are checked with skin
test, chest X-ray, serum eosinophil count, serum total IgE, and serum micro-ELISA for
specific IgG against Paragonimiasis.
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