DEFINITION
Anisakis simplex is a parasite of about 2 centimeters long, whose larvae live in the digestive tract of many marine species such as hake, cod, tuna, octopus, cuttlefish, squid and some crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters.
WHAT FISH ARE AFFECTED IN OUR ENVIRONMENT
Described fish species as hosts of Anisakis simplex are: cod, sardine, anchovy, herring, salmon, pollock, hake, whiting, halibut, turbot, mackerel, bonito and mackerel.
Among the cephalopods, squid, octopus and cuttlefish.
In seafood and shellfish also can be found Anisakis
There may be a frequency of parasitism between 23 and 80% of commercial fish sales. There may also be parasitism in freshwater fish.
How we contact Anisakis
The route of entry of this parasite in our body is the ingestion of raw, salted, marinated, smoked or undercooked fish.
DISEASES THAT MAY CAUSE IN HUMANS
Anisakiasis
Anisakiasis is caused by infestation with Anisakis of contaminated fish or other related parasites (Pseudoterranova Phocanema, Diphyllobothrium latum, Nanophyetus salmicola, Eustrongylides, etc …). This parasite was stationed in the muscles of fish mainly from the Pacific coast.
Guests of these parasites are the seals and other aquatic mammals.
Clinic
After 2 days of eating infected fish appears epigastric pain, dry throat, and a flushing of the mouth and esophagus. Colicky abdominal pain of 10 minutes duration, with vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting, hives, etc … On endoscopy can see the small edematous and hemorrhagic.
Sometimes it can cause bowel invasion, perforation, and eosinophilia, with a syndrome similar to acute abdomen (eg appendicitis).
Diagnosis of anisakiasis
There may be a eosinophilia (increase of eosinophils in the white blood cell counts) in the blood. There may also be fecal occult blood. Endoscopy should be performed by seeing the larval foregut. There is no diagnostic test for anisakiasis.
Treatment
The removal through endoscopy of the larvae.
If it appears as acute abdomen surgery.
The efficacy of anthelmintics has not been demonstrated.
SEE ALSO
Allergy to Anisakis
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