Endemic paragonimiasis in Africa.

Abstract

Human paragonimiasis has been recorded in 4 West African countries but there is clear evidence of endemicity only in certain parts of Nigeria and Cameroon. In Nigeria, the dominant parasite species is Paragonimus uterobilateralis, while in Cameroon it is P. africanus. Both the fresh water crab Sudanonautes africanus and the land crab S. aubryi are proved vectors in Nigeria. Epidemiological studies using Paragonimus skin tests suggest an infection rate of between 5% and 10% in some endemic areas. African paragonimiasis, like its Asian counterpart, responds well to treatment with bithionol.