Why do more people get anisakiasis?

Anisakiasis, an infection caused by the larvae of the Anisakis worm, is becoming more common due to changes in eating habits and the globalization of food.

Raw fish (such as in sushi, sashimi, and ceviche) has become increasingly popular worldwide. Anisakis larvae are common in marine fish, and if these fish are not cooked or frozen properly, the larvae can infect humans. Knowledge of anisakisis has increased, leading to better diagnosis and reporting. Previously, many cases may have gone unrecognized or misdiagnosed.

The larvae of the Anisakis worm can burrow into the stomach or intestinal wall, causing acute pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, this can lead to perforation of the intestinal wall, which is life-threatening. In addition to direct physical damage, Anisakis can trigger allergic reactions. These can range from mild skin reactions (such as itching or hives) to severe anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

If the parasite settles in the gut, it can cause long-term inflammation, which can lead to symptoms that mimic other serious conditions, such as Crohn's disease. This can lead to misdiagnosis and chronic health problems.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10838902/

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-09-18 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024