“oriental lung fluke” = common name
Infections may persist for 20 years in humans. (CDC)
Animals such as pigs, dogs, and a variety of feline species can also harbor P. westermani. (CDC)
Human infection with P. westermani occurs by eating inadequately cooked or pickled crab or crayfish that harbor metacercariae of the parasite (CDC)
Penetrate through the intestinal wall to peritoneal cavity, then through the abdominal wall and diaphragm into the lungs, where they become encapsulated and develop into adults (CDC)
Can also reach other organs and tissues, such as the brain and striated muscles, respectively.
When this occurs, completion of the life cycle is incomplete eggs laid cannot exit these sites.
Time from infection to