ANISAKIASIS-PARASITE

Anisakiasis is an intestinal parasitic infection caused by nematodes (worms). This worm infects the human digestive tract by eating raw fish and squids that contains worms. The larvae of nematode are found in areas where people often eat raw foods. Humans become infected with larvae when they eat undercooked fish and squid the fed on the larvae. The raw foods with nematodes enter the human body. Once inside, it attacks the gastrointestinal tract of a human.

This infection can’t be transmitted to another person. The larvae can infect certain marine mammals such as whales and sea lions which defecate into the sea. The eggs are then released and it becomes an infected larva.

SYMPTOMS OF ANISAKIASIS INFECTION

Some may experience a tingling sensation while eating uncooked food. It is the worm that moves in your mouth. They can remove this worm by coughing it up. Some people might experience different symptoms. A person might experience the following symptoms from eating an uncooked food:

• Having an abdominal pain
• Having a nausea
• Vomiting
• An abdominal distension
• Diarrhea
• Having blood and mucus in stool
• Having a mild fever

TREATMENT

The treatment for this disease is not necessary. The worm inside the human body typically dies in 3 weeks because human is not suitable for their life cycle. Treatment for this infection is:

• Removal of worms inside the body
• Having a surgery to remove the worm in the lining of the stomach
• Steroids (sometimes not necessary)
• Antibiotics
• Isotonic glucose solution

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing this kind of condition includes:

• Conducting a physical test and symptom assessments.
• Evaluation of medical history (raw fish consumption).
• Performing a morphological test.
• Having a blood test.
• Conducting an Anisakiasis skin prick test.
• Performing a clinical test to know if the worm has occurred in the lining of the intestine such as:

1. Upper endoscopy
2. Radiography
3. Surgery

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

The disease can be prevented by following the safety measures below:

• Refrain from eating raw foods such as fish and squids.
• Getting enough amounts of cooking or freezing fish before consumption.
• Coughing up the worms, to let it out of your mouth after consuming raw foods.
• Examining fish on a light table.