Definition
The term "anisakiasis" or "anisakidosis" is used to indicate a particular type of parasitosis caused by nematode worms belonging to the genus Anisakis or to related genera.
In truth, man is an accidental host for Anisakis, in fact, the life cycle of these parasites normally takes place in fish and marine mammals.
Causes
As mentioned, anisakiasis is caused by the accidental ingestion of nematode larvae belonging to the genus Anisakis or similar. In particular, the species most involved in the onset of anisakiasis is Anisakis simplex .
The larvae are found in the intestine of various species of sea fish (herring, tuna, mackerel, hake, cod, swordfish, anchovies, etc.) and are transmitted to humans through the ingestion of raw fish or undercooked and not subjected to a preventive freezing before its consumption.
Symptoms
The larvae, once ingested, reach the stomach and, sometimes, the intestine of the host, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. If the larvae can reach the intestine, the host's immune system may react to the infestation with a granulomatous response, causing enteric symptoms similar to those caused by Crohn's disease.
In some cases, moreover, Anisakis larvae can also cause perforation of the gastrointestinal wall.
Other symptoms that may occur in individuals affected by the infestation are diarrhea, anorexia, pain and / or a feeling of heaviness in the stomach.
Finally, Anisakis larvae may be responsible for the onset of allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. These reactions can occur in the form of hives, angioedema, conjunctivitis, asthmatic attacks, contact dermatitis and anaphylactic reactions.
Information on Anisakis - Drugs and Anisakiasis Care is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Anisakis - Drugs and Anisakiasis Treatment.
drugs
In some cases, anisakiasis tends to self-purify and the host individual heals on its own within a few days, possibly taking palliative medications that help it counter the symptoms caused by the parasitosis.
In others, on the other hand, it is necessary to remove the parasite from the patient's gastrointestinal tract, even more so if the larvae have caused a serious obstruction in the small intestine.
Anisakis larvae can be removed either through surgery or endoscopically. Where possible, generally, it is preferred to remove the parasites through this last method of removal.
In some patients, however, it is possible to eliminate the nematodes through a therapy based on albendazole (an antiparasitic drug), thus avoiding the use of surgery.
However, drug treatment is not always effective and the only solution for anisakiasis is endoscopic removal or surgical removal of larvae.
Anisakis in keta salmon meat (above) and in a laboratory slide.
Images taken from: //fishparasite.fs.au-tokyo.ac.jp/
Prevention of anisakiasis
However, the best way to defeat anisakiasis is prevention.
In this regard, it is recommended to freeze the fish for a fairly long period (from 15 hours to 7 days, depending on the temperature used) immediately after catching it, and adequate cooking at high temperatures before consumption.
If the fish is to be eaten raw, instead, it should be eviscerated very quickly after having caught it, so as to prevent the Anisakis larvae from migrating from the intestine to the muscular masses of the same fish. It is good to remember that the larvae resist the smoking process, the salting and also the preservation of the fish in brine.
