Otitis media and a neck lump--current diagnostic challenges for Paragonimus-like trematode infections

J Infect. 2007 Feb;54(2):e103-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2006.05.011. Epub 2006 Jul 7.

Abstract

A 29 year-old Nigerian studying in the UK presented with a neck lump and otitis media. Paragonimus-like trematode eggs were found in the neck lump aspirate. Morphologically these eggs resembled Paragonimus uterobilateralis or Achillurbainia congolensis. We favoured the diagnosis of achillurbainiasis over extrapulmonary paragonimiasis on the basis of clinical features and because we could not amplify DNA sequences using PCR primers specific for Paragonimus species. We discuss current diagnostic challenges for this rare parasitic infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neck / parasitology
  • Neck / pathology*
  • Otitis Media / parasitology*
  • Paragonimus / classification*
  • Paragonimus / growth & development
  • Paragonimus / isolation & purification
  • Parasite Egg Count
  • Trematoda / classification*
  • Trematoda / growth & development
  • Trematoda / isolation & purification*
  • Trematode Infections / diagnosis*
  • Trematode Infections / parasitology
  • Trematode Infections / pathology