[Anisakis and anisakiosis]

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Immunology
• Foodborne Illness

Background:

• Anisakis simplex (AS) is a widespread nematode parasite found in raw or undercooked fish.
• Anisakiasis symptoms vary based on larval location in the digestive tract, triggered by inflammation upon gastric mucous penetration.
• Many asymptomatic individuals exhibit high levels of specific IgE antibodies to AS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the diagnostic challenges of Anisakis simplex allergy, particularly in pediatric populations.
• To evaluate the specificity of secretor-excretory antigens for identifying true Anisakis simplex parasitization.
• To improve diagnostic accuracy and differentiate AS allergy from cross-reactive conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for Anisakiasis.
• Analysis of IgE antibody responses and prick test results in relation to AS exposure.
• Evaluation of secretor-excretory antigen specificity in diagnosing parasitization.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of AS allergy is complicated by cross-reactivity with other allergens, leading to potential misdiagnosis.
• Children often show positive prick tests to multiple allergens, complicating AS diagnosis.
• Secretor-excretory antigens demonstrate higher specificity in identifying genuinely infected patients.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of Anisakis simplex allergy, especially in children, requires careful consideration of cross-reactivity.
• Secretor-excretory antigen holds potential as a reliable indicator for Anisakis simplex parasitization.
• Preventive measures include proper freezing or thorough cooking of fish to avoid Anisakis simplex infection.