Paragonimus kellicotti

Paragonimus kellicotti is a species of trematode (flukes), specifically a lung fluke, that is part of the Paragonimus genus. It is a parasitic organism that primarily infects mammals, including humans, and is endemic to North America.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Paragonimus kellicotti involves multiple hosts. The adult flukes reside in the lungs of the definitive host, where they produce eggs that are coughed up and swallowed, then passed in the feces. These eggs hatch in water to release miracidia, which infect a suitable freshwater snail intermediate host. Within the snail, the miracidia develop into sporocysts, rediae, and then cercariae. The cercariae leave the snail and encyst as metacercariae in a second intermediate host, typically a crustacean such as a crayfish. When the definitive host consumes an infected second intermediate host, the metacercariae excyst in the intestine, penetrate the intestinal wall, and migrate to the lungs where they mature into adult flukes.

Symptoms and Treatment

In humans, infection with Paragonimus kellicotti can lead to paragonimiasis, a disease characterized by cough, chest pain, and hemoptysis. Diagnosis is typically made by identifying eggs in sputum or feces, or by serologic testing. Treatment usually involves the administration of the antiparasitic drug praziquantel.

Epidemiology

Paragonimus kellicotti is found in North America, particularly in the central United States. Humans are infected by eating raw or undercooked crayfish. The disease is relatively rare in humans but can be a significant problem in areas where eating raw crayfish is common.

See Also

• Paragonimus westermani
• Paragonimiasis
• Trematode