Should You Get Tested for Lung Fluke Infection After Eating Raw Shrimp?

Q: Should You Get Tested for Lung Fluke Infection After Eating Raw Shrimp?

Dear Miss Lin：<br>1. <br>According to the disease introduction from the Centers for Disease Control and the textbook on parasitology, there are over 50 known species of the genus Paragonimus that can infect humans and animals, with at least 10 species capable of infecting humans.

Suspicion of Paragonimiasis (Lung Fluke Infection)

Hello Doctor: I ate raw shrimp while in Thailand and later learned about the risk of parasitic infections (such as lung flukes).
I would like to ask whether I should proactively go to the hospital for a check-up, or if I should wait until symptoms appear before seeking medical attention.
Some sources indicate that there are noticeable symptoms, such as cough and blood-tinged sputum, while others state that most infected individuals are asymptomatic.
Thank you.

Lin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/25

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Miss Lin:
1.
According to the disease introduction from the Centers for Disease Control and the textbook on parasitology, there are over 50 known species of the genus Paragonimus that can infect humans and animals, with at least 10 species capable of infecting humans.
Among these, Paragonimus westermani is the most significant.
This parasite was first identified in 1877 by Kerbert in the lungs of a Bengal tiger at the Amsterdam Zoo.
In 1879, Ringer discovered Paragonimus during the autopsy of a Portuguese patient in Taiwan, marking the first reported case of human paragonimiasis.
Adult worms can survive in the human body for 5 to 10 years, with reports of survival extending up to 20 to 25 years.
The most common form of paragonimiasis is caused by Paragonimus westermani, with crabs and shrimp serving as intermediate hosts.
Humans become infected by consuming crabs or shrimp containing metacercariae.
The parasite resides in the lungs, causing chest pain and hemoptysis, and Charcot-Leyden crystals may form in the lesions.
2.
Most patients are asymptomatic.
Those who exhibit symptoms during the acute phase may experience fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, urticaria, hepatosplenomegaly, and eosinophilia due to the movement of larvae within the body.
In the chronic phase, symptoms may include cough, rust-colored sputum, hemoptysis, chest pain, dyspnea, and bronchiectasis.
Long-term infections can lead to pulmonary fibrosis resembling tuberculosis.
Extrapulmonary infections most commonly affect the central nervous system, potentially causing meningitis and symptoms such as seizures, visual disturbances, and motor and sensory nerve damage.
The parasite has also been found in the liver, lymph nodes, spine, and subcutaneous tissues.
The incubation period is approximately 6 to 10 weeks.
3.
As our country is a developed nation with effective public health measures, cases of paragonimiasis have become rare in recent years.
Therefore, please monitor your health for three months after returning home.
If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, you should visit an infectious disease specialist for evaluation and testing.
It is crucial to inform the physician about your travel history and any instances of consuming raw food to avoid missed diagnoses.
4.
If you have further questions, please discuss them in detail with your family physician to prevent unnecessary panic.

Reply Date: 2020/01/25

More Info

Eating raw or undercooked seafood, including shrimp, can pose a risk of parasitic infections, including lung fluke infections. Lung flukes, particularly *Paragonimus* species, are known to inhabit the lungs and can be transmitted through the consumption of raw or improperly cooked freshwater crustaceans, such as shrimp and crabs.
When considering whether to get tested for a lung fluke infection after consuming raw shrimp, it is essential to understand the nature of the infection and its symptoms. Many individuals who become infected with lung flukes may not exhibit symptoms immediately, or they may have mild symptoms that can be easily overlooked. Common symptoms of lung fluke infection include:
1. Cough: This is often one of the first symptoms to appear and can be persistent.

2. Hemoptysis: This refers to coughing up blood or blood-stained sputum, which can be alarming and is a more severe symptom.

3. Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest area may occur as the infection progresses.

4. Fever and Night Sweats: These systemic symptoms can indicate an ongoing infection.

5. Fatigue and Weight Loss: As with many infections, a general feeling of malaise, fatigue, and unintended weight loss can occur.

The incubation period for lung fluke infections can vary, and symptoms may not appear for weeks to months after exposure. Some infected individuals may remain asymptomatic for extended periods, which complicates the decision to seek testing.

Given the potential for asymptomatic infections and the serious nature of lung fluke disease, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. If you have consumed raw shrimp and are concerned about the risk of lung fluke infection, it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your risk based on your exposure history and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

If you are currently asymptomatic, monitoring your health for any developing symptoms over the next few weeks is a reasonable approach. However, if you begin to experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, especially persistent cough or hemoptysis, you should seek medical attention promptly.
In terms of testing, healthcare providers may recommend specific serological tests or imaging studies, such as chest X-rays, to look for signs of lung fluke infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as untreated infections can lead to complications, including chronic lung disease.

In summary, while it is possible to wait for symptoms to develop before seeking medical attention, proactive consultation with a healthcare provider after consuming raw shrimp is advisable. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your health history and the specifics of your exposure. Remember, prevention is key, and avoiding raw or undercooked seafood is the best way to reduce the risk of parasitic infections in the future.

Similar Q&A

Are Undercooked Shrimp Safe? Understanding Risks and Health Concerns

Several years ago, my family became fascinated with a cooking method they saw on a culinary show, which has led to multiple arguments due to the occasional fishy taste in the dishes. I am particularly concerned about shrimp, such as shrimp omelets. Although the shrimp appear red ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is not always possible to determine the presence of parasites solely based on appearance. Currently, medical practice primarily focuses on patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, who can have their stool tested for parasite eggs. As for blood tests, theoretically, eosi...

Accidentally Eating Raw Angel Shrimp: Should You Seek Medical Attention?

I accidentally consumed raw angel shrimp, which the staff informed me should be cooked. It has been 8 hours, and I don't feel any unusual symptoms. Should I seek medical attention or take medication?

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, regarding the consumption of raw angel shrimp, please monitor for any symptoms in the coming days (such as diarrhea, fever, or vomiting). Pay attention to food hygiene, avoid consuming raw foods, and wash your hands frequently. In cases of gastroenteritis, it is recommende...

Concerns About Infection After Shrimp Injury: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor: During dinner, while eating risotto with shrimp, I accidentally got pricked by the shrimp head when I was peeling it. At that moment, I noticed a small drop of red blood, which I squeezed out, then washed my hands and disinfected the area with hydrogen peroxide and ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if you were stung by a shrimp, you should be very cautious about infections from Vibrio species, such as Vibrio vulnificus or Clostridium botulinum. The risk of infection from cooked shrimp is relatively low. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of fever, redness, swel...

Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?

Hello Doctor, I consumed several raw shrimp (purchased from a Japanese restaurant, unsure of the species and handling process) three weeks ago. In the past week, I have experienced severe headaches, strong cough (with phlegm, but minimal nasal discharge), and mild fever. After tw...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is a combination of cough with phlegm, it is advisable to suspect an upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19). The likelihood of contracting a parasite from consuming raw shrimp is extremely low, and it is unlikely to experience headach...