Metagonimus yokogawai and Other Metagonimus Species

In the trematode genus Metagonimus, 10 species are currently known to be valid. These flukes are distributed mainly in Asia, where people like to eat freshwater fish under raw or inadequately cooked conditions. Seven species, including M. yokogawai, M. takahashii, M. miyatai, M. suifunensis, M. katsuradai, M. minutus, and M. pusillus, can infect humans. The former four species are epidemiologically important because they show a high prevalence and intensity of infection among the people in endemic areas. The infected people may experience abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Avoidance of raw fish eating is the best way to prevent Metagonimus spp. infection.