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Probable pulmonary anisakiasis accompanying pleural effusion
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|March 1, 1985
Summary
The first probable human pulmonary anisakiasis case involved a Japanese individual in California who consumed raw salmon. This infection, caused by Anisakis larvae, led to pleural effusion and eosinophilia.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Human Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection typically affecting marine mammals.
- Human infections are usually gastrointestinal, acquired by consuming raw or undercooked seafood containing Anisakis larvae.
- Pulmonary involvement in human anisakiasis is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old Japanese individual in California presented with pleural effusion.
- The patient had recently consumed raw salmon at a seafood restaurant in San Francisco.
- Blood and pleural fluid analysis revealed marked eosinophilia.
Findings:
- The patient underwent serological testing for helminthic infections.
- Specific antibodies were detected against Anisakis (Type I larvae) antigen using immunoelectrophoresis.
- This confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary anisakiasis.
Implications:
- This case represents the first probable instance of human pulmonary anisakiasis.
- It highlights the potential for Anisakis larvae to cause extrapulmonary disease in humans.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance are necessary for rare presentations of anisakiasis.