Resumo

BANDES V., Anabel et al. Nemátodos de la Familia Anisakidae en el pescado fresco que se expende para el consumo humano en Caracas, Venezuela. INHRR [online]. 2005, vol.36, n.2, pp.44-71. ISSN 0798-0477.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and mean intensity of parasitation by nematode larval of the Anisakidae family in fresh fish species of mayor demand in Caracas, to evaluate the risk to public health and suggest preventive measures. 302 samples were studied of 21 species of fish, the samples were collected at the Mayor Market of Coche (El Valle, Caracas) in the period 2003-2005, coming from the Venezuelan sea coast (east, center and west). Parasitological analyses were done by compression, candling, sedimentation, digestion and nematode identification. Prevalence and mean intensity of parasitation were calculated. The parasitized samples were lisa (Mugil curema or Mugil incilis) and lebranche (Mujil liza) with a prevalence of 76% (IC95%: 58% a 89%) and 94% (IC95%: 80% a 99%), and mean intensity of 13.1 ± 5,2 parasites /unit,  and 10,7 ± 3,6 parasites/unit respectively. The nematodes identified for lisa samples were: Pseudoterranova sp (56%), Contracaecum sp. (48%) Anisakis sp. (16 %), and for lebranche samples   were:  Pseudoterranova sp. (47%), Contracaecum sp. (47%), Anisakis sp. (16%) and Hysterothylacium sp. (3%). The parasites were localized mainly at the mesentery and visceral organs. The parasitation prevalence and mean intensity for both species were high in all cases, independent of geographic origin. It could be hypothesized   that the intermediary and definitive host of these parasites are currently present in   the Venezuelan sea coast. Due to the hazard to the public health, it is recommend evisceration, freezing and adequate cooking of the fish in order to minimize the risk of human infection.

Palavras-chave : Anisakidae family; Fish; Mugil liza,; Mugil curema/incilis.