Anisakiasis is an infection with larvae of Anisakis worms and related genera such as Pseudoterranova.

Anisakiasis infection is usually acquired by eating raw or uncooked saltwater fish; the larvae are buried in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract causing discomfort.

The infection is the human parasitic infection that occurs in the gastrointestinal tract which is caused by the eating raw or uncooked marine fish with anisakis simplex nematode larvae that why it is known as anisakiasis.

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Fish, crustaceans, and cuttlefish often function as transport hosts of the parasite, where larvae grow but do not mature in adults.

When large marine mammals like seals, dolphins, sea lions and whales eat these smaller crustaceans and fish, the larvae become adult worms. In humans, the larvae are unable to their development hence causes infections.

The symptoms of the infection are a severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and nausea. In some cases, the antigens present in Anisakis simplex can cause hypersensitivity and allergic reactions.

Image source: Google (Anisakis life cycle)

What is Anisakiasis?

Anisakiasis infects the digestive tract of the human, which is caused by eating raw squid or fish that contain parasitic worms such as nematodes of the anisakid species.

Following are the examples of the worms including;

• Anisakis simplex (herring worm)
• Anisakis physeteris
• Contracaecum species
• Pseudoterranova decipiens (cod or seal worm)

Anisakis simplex is the main worm that causes anisakiasis infection; but as well as the most other cases of infection are also due to Pseudoterranova decipiens.

The ingested worms then attack the lining of the intestine, esophagus, and the stomach, beginning with symptoms of the disease.

Although symptoms can vary among infected individuals, like individuals present with symptoms similar to gastrointestinal and appendicitis diseases.

The diagnosis is good, as the infection typically resolves on its own. But still, surgical or endoscopic removal of the nematode larvae that have to alleviate symptoms.

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What are the Symptoms of Anisakiasis?

There are several symptoms of the infectious disease including;

• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Blood and mucus in stool
• Mild fever

What are the Treatments Available for Anisakiasis?

There are different kinds of treatment options available for the disease including;

• Endoscopic for the removal of the larvae
• Albendazole
• Surgery for the removal of worms embedded in the wall of the intestine or stomach.

Less common treatment options include the following:

• Steroids (although this is controversial)
• Isotonic glucose solution
• Antibiotics

Conclusion:

Anisakiasis is the infectious disease which is usually acquired by eating raw or uncooked saltwater fish. So it is better to avoid raw or uncooked food. Always take precaution to check the food before eating to avoid the disease.

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