We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




New Risk Factors Identified for Parasitic Infection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 24 Jul 2013
Recent cases of a parasitic lung infection have been analyzed and new modes of transmission and associated behaviors have identified among different groups of people at risk.

The index of suspicion among medical professionals should be raised so nontraditional patients and those not exhibiting all symptoms, but who are at risk can be diagnosed and treated to avoid potentially life-threatening lung or brain complications.

A public health professional at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (New Orleans, LA, USA) has reviewed the status of paragonimiasis in the USA, as the epidemiology of this disease has recently changed. More...
The disease is caused by trematode worms, such as Paragonimus westermani, and P. kellicotti. Most cases of infection are reported from Asia or in those who have recently traveled to or emigrated from a region where the parasite is prevalent.

In the laboratory, the diagnosis of paragonimiasis may include the microscopic observation of unembryonated Paragonimus eggs in sputum, feces, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, lung or pleural biopsy specimens, or surgical pleurectomy or lobectomy specimens. A variety of more sensitive immunodiagnostic techniques are available from reference laboratories, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and immunoblotting developed for the detection of cross-reacting P. westermani antibodies. Some of the newest diagnostic technologies for the rapid detection of food-borne helminthiases, including paragonimiasis, are loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays, DNA pyrosequencing for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons, and multiplex protein microarray assays.

The parasitic infection can occur when crabs are eaten raw in sushi bars or alcohol-pickled crabs, the so-called drunken crabs, in martinis. The one indigenous Paragonimus species can transmit infection through undercooked mudbugs at a crawfish boil and through exposure while floating, paddling, canoeing, or camping on waterways and in areas where crawfish live. The incubation period can vary from two to six weeks. Although some people can remain asymptomatic for prolonged periods, this parasitic infection can produce symptoms ranging from fever, recurrent cough, and night sweats, mimicking tuberculosis, to bloody cough, pleurisy, and pneumonia. It can cause headaches, seizures, stiff neck, and loss of vision and can be fatal.

James H. Diaz, MD, DrPH, the author of the article, said, “Doctors should consider this infection in vacationers and weekenders returning from areas of the USA where the parasite is endemic and ask about raw or undercooked crawfish in all patients with unexplained fever, cough, high white blood cell count, and fluid around the lungs. Even without microscopic evidence, any patient with a positive history of raw or undercooked freshwater Asian crab or native crawfish and clinical symptoms should be evaluated and treated to prevent serious complications.” The review was published in the July 2013 issue of the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews.

Related Links:
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center



New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
3-Part Differential Hematology Analyzer
Swelab Alfa Plus Sampler
New
Blood Glucose Test Strip
AutoSense Test
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
Multichem ID-B
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








DIASOURCE (A Biovendor Company)

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The steps involved in the electric field-induced capture and release (EFIRM) assay (Photo courtesy of UCLA School of Dentistry)

Saliva-Based Cancer Detection Technology Eliminates Need for Complex Sample Preparation

Early detection of cancer and other serious diseases is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes, yet current diagnostic methods often involve invasive procedures and complex sample preparation.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is FDA-cleared for use in diagnosing Alzheimer’s (Photo courtesy of Fujirebio)

First FDA Cleared Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Diagnosis Marks Turning Point in Early Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that affects memory, cognition, and behavior, eventually interfering with daily activities. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to improving... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: CitoCBC is the world first cartridge-based CBC to be granted CLIA Waived status by FDA (Photo courtesy of CytoChip)

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results

Complete Blood Count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring therapies, and conducting routine health screenings. However, more than 90% of physician... Read more

Immunology

view channel
Image: The 3D paper-based analytical device has shown high clinical accuracy for adult-onset immunodeficiency (Photo courtesy of National Taiwan University)

Paper-Based Device Accurately Detects Immune Defects in 10 Minutes

Patients with hidden immune defects are especially vulnerable to severe and persistent infections, often due to autoantibodies that block interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), a key molecule in immune defense.... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The Check4 gene-detection platform (Photo courtesy of IdentifySensors)

Electronic Biosensors Used to Detect Pathogens Can Rapidly Detect Cancer Cells

A major challenge in healthcare is the early and affordable detection of serious diseases such as cancer. Early diagnosis remains difficult due to the complexity of identifying specific genetic markers... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2025 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.