The Friendliest and Most Social Parasite

So, it is Friday.  And also the last day of our Finals Week Special.  But today, we end it with a parasite that can teach us about platonic love and companionship for this Christmas season. 

Paragonimus westermani

        
 
 Paragonimus westermani is a lung fluke that was originally discovered in bengal tigers, but has since been found in humans.  Generally, it causes an chronic inflammatory disease in the lungs similar to an ongoing bronchitis.  If it gets into the spine, it can cause paralysis, and if it gets into the heart, it can cause death.  But it generally just hangs out in the lungs.  But why is it friendly? 

As the name would imply, Paragonimus westermani are always found in pairs.  They are never alone.  But, you would think, "That's not weird.  So are schistosomes, as we learned."  But there's a difference.  P. westermani are hermaphroditic and reproduce asexually.  They don't stay in pairs because they want to reproduce.  They only stay in pairs because they want a friend. 

I don't know, but if I were an asexually reproducing trematode, I think I'd want a friend too.
 

Comments

Amy R said…
What? I keep checking for more parasites and you haven't updated. Oh, woe is me!
December 19, 2012 at 4:20 AM
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