Definition
Definition
L'anisakidosis is an infection, more precisely a helminthiasis, due to a nematode parasite: Anisakis marina (simplex) whose larvae are ingested by fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and cod. The definitive host is the whale.
Generalities
Anisakidosis is caused by the ingestion of raw meat, formerly called herring worm disease. nematodes are worms such as roundworms, trichina, and filariae. The following fish are likely to cause anisakidosis:
- The salmon.
- Herring.
- The sardine.
- Farmed trout.
- The place.
- Tuna.
- Whiting.
- Cod.
- Mackerel.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of anisakidosis are:
The disease occurs in two stages:
- The first phase lasts from 24 hours to 3 days and is characterized by abdominal pain.
- In the second phase, the patient presents with various symptoms. He is sometimes able to remove the worm from his throat himself.
During the acute phase, stomach pain appears. Moreover, fibroscopy allows the worm to be visualized and can also be removed.
In the chronic phase, symptoms similar to those of a tumor are observed, sometimes with intestinal obstruction due to the presence of eosinophilic granulomas.
Pathophysiology
For travelers who intend to go to the countries of Northern Europe (Holland in particular) and Japan, it is necessary to know about this disease which is due to a parasitic infection, secondary to the ingestion of a larva which is itself found in a small worm of the dolphin, the whale, and the seal.
Humans are infected by ingesting raw or undercooked fish. Parasitology specialists refer to this as a parasitic impasse. The disease is observed in Nordic countries, as well as in Japan. In France, individuals are susceptible to parasitization by sardines that have not been sufficiently grilled. The same is true for cod and salmon.
Gastroallergic anisakiasis is also described, which is characterized by hypersensitivity symptoms such as urticaria, angioedema and sometimes anaphylactic shock.
Medical exam
Labo
In this case, blood tests can reveal an increase in specific immunoglobulins.
It is only the ingestion of live larvae that seems to be able to cause the appearance of allergic manifestations during this disease.
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment for anisakidosis includes tiabendazole, and corticosteroids (cortisone).
Evolution
Evolution
The evolution is generally good, but if abdominal pain persists, it is advisable to consult a surgeon quickly. Indeed, the surgeon is sometimes required to remove the larva after performing a endoscopy.
Premature
Anisakidosis iswithout treatment, can develop into a tumor of the stomach, small intestine, or colon which can cause peritonitis, or of a occlusion.
Prevention
Freezing the fish for 24 hours at 20°C and cooking it at a temperature above 60°C will destroy the larvae.
Preserving in vinegar does not kill the parasite.