Epidemiology of marine fish-borne parasitic zoonoses

Most parasites of marine animals are of little public health concern; however, some helminths are capable of infecting humans. Marine zoonotic infections in humans result from consumption of contaminated edible tissues or products of seafood or, to a lesser extent, from physical contact with contaminated seafood. Worldwide, over 50 species of helminth parasites from fishes, crabs, crayfishes, snails, and bivalves are known to produce human infections. Most helminth zoonoses are rare and invoke only slight to moderate injury; however, some are more prevalent and pose serious potential health hazards. Worldwide, the majority of seafood zoonoses occur along coastal regions where seafood products are commonly consumed. Continuing improvements in transportation, technology, and food handling, however, allow fresh seafood to be shipped throughout the world; thus, the potential for acquisition of parasitic infections from marine products is not limited to coastal populations. Although the number of documented cases continue to increase, the overall risk of human infection is slight. The increasing exploitation of the marine environment by humans, changing dietary habits incorporating "natural" seafood dishes (eg, sushi and sashimi), and tendency to reduce cooking times when preparing seafood products, all increase the chances of becoming infected with these parasites.