Abstract

MARTINEZ, Elisa; LOAIZA, Lisbeth  and  BASTIDAS, Gilberto. Anisakiosis. Comunidad y Salud [online]. 2009, vol.7, n.1, pp.18-22. ISSN 1690-3293.

Anisakis simplex is a widely distributed nematode infecting consumers of raw or undercooked fish. Life cycle of the parasite might include one or more intermediate hosts and sea mammals and big fishes as definitive hosts in which larvae develop to its adult stage. Man is an accidental host. Clinical manifestations of anisakiasis depend on the site of dwelling of larvae in the digestive tract. Symptoms develop as the result of an inflamatory process in the gastric mucosae wall due to the penetration of larvae. Prevention of this pathology relies in avoiding ingestion of raw fish or fish that hasn't been previously frozen at least 48 hours or cooked during at least 20 minures above 60º C. Incidence of anisakiasis is increasing, thus it is important to know and discuss its clinical, epidemiological and laboratory patterns, specially in Venezuela, where we register a high ingestion of fish without case register. Most common clinical features are: urticaria, recidivant angio-oedema and abdominal pain.

Keywords : Anisakis simplex; Anisakiasis; nematodes; nematode larvae; raw fish.

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