Diagnosis
The infection is usually diagnosed by identification of Paragonimus eggs in sputum. The eggs are sometimes found in stool samples (coughed-up eggs are swallowed). A tissue biopsy is sometimes performed to look for eggs in a tissue specimen.
Specific and sensitive antibody tests based on P. westermani antigens are available through CDC, and serologic tests using a variety of techniques are available through commercial laboratories.
More on: Resources for Health Professionals: Diagnosis
More on: DPDx: Paragonimus
Page last reviewed: January 10, 2013
Content source: Global Health, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria