Pulmonary manifestations in patients with parasitic infections

ABSTRACT

The interrelation between various parasitic infections and pulmonary manifestations, using clinical, radiological, laboratory and ventilatory functional data was assessed. Results of ventilatory function evaluation showed high significant reduction in mean values of peak expiratory flow rate [PEFR%], forced expiratory flow, forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1%] and forced vital capacity [FVC%] among patients with parasitic infection. Reversible obstructive dysfunction was detected in 5 cases [18.5%] of schistosomiasis, one case [9.1%] of fascioliasis, 3 cases [60%] of ascariasis and one case of strongyloidiasis. Irreversible obstructive dysfunction was detected in 7 cases [25.9%] of schistosomiasis while restrictive dysfunction was detected in 15 cases [55.6%] of schistosomiasis, one case [9.1%] of fascioliasis and 2 cases [100%] of pleuropulmonary hydatid disease. The study also revealed insignificant negative correlation between blood eosinophils and PEFR%, FEV1% and FVC% of patients with parasitic infections but insignificant positive correlation between blood eosinophils and FEF 25-75% of patients with parasitic infections