ABSTRACT
One hundred cases of paragonimiasis from Saraburi province, Thailand were studied with respect to epidemiology, clinical manifestations, radiography and treatment. Highly endemic areas were Cha-om and Sum-pugpaew villages in Kang-koy district. The ratio of male to female was 48:52. Uncooked crabs and shrimps are the second intermediate hosts of Paragonimus. Hemoptysis and chronic cough were the main symptoms; with crepitations and rhonchi in both lungs. There was no specific changes in chest X-rays of the lungs, except in cases of hemoptysis where changes in pulmonary vessels were observed. Tomograms of the lungs provided 100% accuracy and confirmation of diagnosis of pulmonary paragonimiasis. Praziquantel 25 my/kg body weight three times a day for 2 days gave a cure rate of 90%, mebendazole plus emetine hydrochloride gave a cure rate of 70% and mebendazole alone was not effective.
