Paragonimus and paragonimiasis in China

[Extract] Paragonimiasis is a common and important parasitic zoonosis widely endemic in China. Although estimates differ among authors, about 20 million people in China might be skin test positive, and the numher of cases might be around 10 million. The first known human case in the world was reported from China in 1880. The first endemic area identified in mainland China was in Shaoxing County. Zhejiang Province in 1930. More species of Paragonimus have been described from China than from other countries. Despite the progress in the study of Paragonimus and paragoniainsis, many problems still exist. For example, there have long been disputes concerning the classification and taxonomy. Full life-cycles have only been elucidated in a few species