Metagonimus

Background

Microbiology

• Trematodes that inhabit the intestine
• Smallest human fluke
• Includes the species:
  • Metagonimus yokagawai (most common cause of disease in humans)
  • Metagonimus takashii
  • Metagonimus miyatai

Epidemiology

• Mostly occurs in the Far East, as well as Siberia, Manchuria, the Balkan states, Israel, and Spain

Clinical Manifestations

• Usually presents with colicky abdominal pain
• Eggs can migrate to various other tissues, including heart and brain