Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
10:12
Experimental Infection of Mice with the Parasitic Nematode Strongyloides ratti
Published on: January 17, 2025
Acute gastric anisakiasis: an Italian experience
I Ugenti1, S Lattarulo, F Ferrarese
1Department of General and Specialistic Surgical Sciences, University of Bari, Via Davanzati 14, 70121 Bari, Italy. ippazio.ugenti@fastwebnet.it
Minerva Chirurgica
|February 9, 2007
Summary
This study details three cases of gastric Anisakis infection (anisakiasis) in women who consumed raw fish. Prompt gastroscopy successfully removed the Anisakis spp. larvae, leading to rapid symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anisakidosis is a human gastrointestinal parasitic disease caused by marine nematode larvae (Anisakis spp., Pseudoterranova spp.) found in raw or undercooked fish.
- Gastric Anisakis infection (anisakiasis) is a less common manifestation of this parasitic disease.
Observation:
- A series of three consecutive cases of gastric anisakiasis were observed at a single center in Italy.
- All affected patients were women experiencing severe epigastric pain and vomiting after ingesting raw fish.
- Patients underwent urgent gastroscopy within hours of symptom onset.
Findings:
- Endoscopic examination revealed Anisakis spp. larvae embedded in the gastric mucosa.
- Worms were successfully extracted using biopsy forceps during gastroscopy, resulting in immediate clinical improvement.
- Laboratory tests in two patients showed elevated white blood cell counts and eosinophilia 3-4 days post-ingestion.
- Larval identification confirmed the species as Anisakis spp. (L3 stage).
Implications:
- Urgent gastroscopy is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for gastric anisakiasis, enabling direct worm removal.
- Early endoscopic intervention can prevent the need for surgical diagnosis and treatment.
- This case series highlights the importance of considering anisakiasis in patients with acute gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming raw fish.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Giardiasis
Giardiasis is a globally prevalent intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (also known as G. lamblia or G. intestinalis). This flagellated protozoan is the most frequently identified intestinal parasite in the United States and worldwide. Transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route, with infection arising from ingestion of water or food contaminated with cysts. Individuals in low-resource settings, international travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, daycare...
01:28Amebiasis
Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
01:23Gastritis III: Clinical Manifestations and Management
The clinical manifestations of gastritis can vary depending on the cause and type of gastritis, but some common symptoms may include the following.
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
Clinical manifestations of acute gastritis
The patient with acute gastritis may have a rapid onset of symptoms, such as epigastric pain or discomfort, dyspepsia, anorexia, hiccups, or nausea and vomiting, which can last from a few hours to a few days. Erosive or hemorrhagic gastritis may cause bleeding, which may manifest as blood in vomit or as...
01:26Gastritis II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...
01:22American Trypanosomiasis
Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is a vector-borne parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellated protozoan (kinetoplastid) of the family Trypanosomatidae. The disease is endemic in Latin America, although cases are increasingly reported worldwide due to human migration. Transmission most commonly occurs when feces of infected triatomine bugs contaminate bite wounds or mucosal surfaces; additional routes include congenital, transfusional, transplant-related, and oral...
01:27Gastritis-I: Introduction and Types
Gastritis, defined by the inflammation or irritation of the stomach lining or gastric mucosa, manifests in several distinct forms: acute, chronic, reactive, and a specific subtype known as autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis.
Acute gastritis presents as a sudden inflammation triggered by various stressors to the stomach lining, such as exposure to corrosive agents, local irritants like aspirin and other NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, physical trauma, severe burns, sepsis,...
Acute gastritis presents as a sudden inflammation triggered by various stressors to the stomach lining, such as exposure to corrosive agents, local irritants like aspirin and other NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, physical trauma, severe burns, sepsis,...