Anisakis simplex: The Exclusive Member of Anisakidae Family Infecting Fish Consumed by Humans in Chile Is a Mosaic of...

This study aims to determine the prevalence of infection by larvae from the Anisakidae family in fish commonly consumed in the north of Chile. Then, 2968 specimens belonging to 22 different fish genera were studied. Anisakis spp. third-stage larvae were collected and used for PCR and proteomics studies. Trachurus murphyi was the most parasitized species (51.6%), whereas Scomber japonicus (21.3%) and Isacia conceptions (9.5%) were also found parasitized. PCR studies showed that the only species detected was Anisakis simplex. By LC-MS/MS, we identified a total of 8119 peptide precursors, which correspond to 1919 proteins. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that, among molecular functions, catalytic and binding activities were the most highly expressed. Among biological processes, cellular and metabolic processes were the most highly expressed, while among cellular components, cellular anatomical entities and complex-containing proteins were the most highly detected. By in silico analyses, novel putative allergens were detected through comparative analyses with related genera. Among them, apolipophorin is proposed as a potential new allergen. These findings are of relevance for advancing the understanding of allergen-host immune system interactions. Proteomics and bioinformatics studies strongly suggest that A. simplex is a mosaic of allergens whose implications for public health must be properly evaluated. Finally, a One Health approach is proposed to mitigate Anisakidae infections by integrating multisectoral prevention across human and animal interfaces while concurrently preserving aquatic ecosystem integrity.