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A case of anisakiasis causing intestinal obstruction.
1Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
A case of intestinal anisakiasis, a parasitic infection from raw fish, was diagnosed in a Seoul salesman presenting with abdominal pain. The Anisakis larva caused jejunal cellulitis, highlighting this rare condition in Korea.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Intestinal anisakiasis is a foodborne parasitic zoonosis caused by the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish or squid infected with Anisakis larvae.
- While prevalent in some regions, documented cases in Korea are less common, making each occurrence noteworthy for epidemiological understanding.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male salesman from Seoul presented with acute, severe abdominal pain.
- Diagnostic laparotomy revealed segmental jejunal cellulitis, a specific inflammatory condition of the small intestine.
- A penetrating Anisakis simplex larva was identified as the causative agent within the affected jejunal tissue.
Findings:
- The patient's history included recent consumption of raw fish, a known risk factor for anisakiasis.
- The surgical findings confirmed a penetrating Anisakis larva causing localized intestinal inflammation and obstruction.
- This case aligns with the typical clinical presentation of intestinal anisakiasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering Anisakis infection in patients with acute abdominal pain, especially after consuming raw seafood.
- It contributes to the limited epidemiological data on intestinal anisakiasis in South Korea.
- Raising awareness among clinicians and the public about the risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked fish is crucial for prevention.