Anisakiasis: The risks of seafood consumption

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology

Background:

• Japanese cuisine's global popularity leads to increased raw seafood consumption.
• Anisakiasis (herring-worm disease) is a nematode infection common in Japan but increasingly relevant worldwide.
• Gastroenterologists globally need awareness of anisakiasis due to dietary trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnosis and treatment of anisakiasis.
• To highlight the efficacy of endoscopy in managing anisakiasis.
• To inform healthcare providers about this emerging foodborne illness.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 158 patients with acute gastrointestinal anisakiasis (April 1991-April 2000).
• Documented endoscopic procedures for nematode removal and observed clinical outcomes.
• Detailed recording of endoscopic findings, including gastric lesions and larval penetration.

Main Results:

• Endoscopic nematode removal within 48 hours resolved symptoms in 44% of patients.
• Common endoscopic findings included gastric ulcers, hemorrhage, erosion, redness, and edema.
• Larval penetration sites were clearly identified during endoscopic examination.

Conclusions:

• Endoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating anisakiasis.
• Prompt endoscopic intervention leads to symptom resolution.
• Complementary tests like IgE measurement may aid diagnosis. Increased global Japanese food consumption necessitates wider awareness of anisakiasis.