Original article / research
Incidence of Paragonimus Metacercariae in Freshwater Crabs in Ammapettai Village: A Pilot Study
DC19-DC22
Correspondence
Dr. Sunil Kumar Jada,
Associate Professor Department of Microbiology, Sri Venkata Sai Medical College and Hospital, Affiliated to KNR University of Health Sciences, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, India.
E-mail: sunilkumar.jada2@gmail.com
Introduction: Paragonimus westermani is a significant lung fluke parasite that affects humans by causing a disease called paragonimiasis, transmitted through the consumption of inadequately cooked or pickled freshwater crabs (the second intermediate host) containing metacercariae. This infec-tion is one of the many neglected tropical foodborne parasitic zoonoses found in various parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. It continues to pose a significant public health challenge in regions where such practices of eating undercooked or improperly prepared seafood are common.
Aim: To explore Paragonimus metacercariae infestation in freshwater crabs in a rural area.
Materials and Methods: This pilot study involved a survey to find freshwater crabs, which are intermediate hosts for Paragonimus westermani, in Ammapettai village over three months from Octo-ber 2019 to December 2019. Crab consumption is common in this area. A total 80 crabs were collected from ponds, paddy fields, and lakes. Crabs were humanely euthanized by piercing the sternum; legs and claws were then removed. The shell (carapace) was lifted off and discarded. Each crab was carefully dissected, and its body parts- main shell (carapace), claws (chelipeds), and legs (periopods)- were examined sepa-rately for parasite infestation. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test was performed to check if there was any significant difference in parasite infestation between different parts of the crab col-lected in rural area.
Results: Microscopic examination revealed an overall incidence of Paragonimus metacercarial infestation in five of 80 (6.25%) crabs. Among other parasites, only monogeneans were detected in two crabs that constitute 2.5% of the total numbers.
Conclusion: The results of the research are helpful for predicting the future risks from the pulmonary paragonimiosis in humans.