Anisakis infestation in marine fish and cephalopods from Galician waters: an updated perspective

Abstract

A total of 2,673 fresh specimens of cephalopod and fish representing 35 species were obtained from commercial local fisheries in Galician waters (NW Spain). They were examined for anisakid nematodes by digestion of the muscle and elution of the viscera and whole body cavity. All larval nematodes recovered were identified by light microscopy and multilocus electrophoresis as belonging to the species Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and A. pegreffii. Encysted larvae mostly occurred in the viscera but were also found in the flesh of squid and fish. Demographic values for larval nematodes are discussed in relation to host preferences and the ecological niche of both anisakid species at the sampling area. Primary recommendations are also expressed concerning the effects of current fishing and aquaculture practices on the Anisakis problem.

Anisakis spp. burden in Trachurus trachurus

“…the liver in saithe and cod and the flesh in redfish. In previous studies, the mean intensity of Anisakis presence in T. trachurus in Mediterranean waters has been reported between 15.51 ± 22.58 and 36.8 with the length range of the host being 23 -41 cm and 26 -42 cm respectively (Manfredi et al, 2000;Abollo et al, 2001). In the present study, the mean intensity was quite higher (120.99 ± 39.9).…”

“…larvae in some fish species showed a great variation in percentage of larvae in the viscera and the musculature and factors like the feeding habits of the host or the migratory distance for the infecting larvae within the host have been used to explain the preferences of larvae to muscles or visceral organs (Smith & Wooten, 1975;Cattan & Carvajal, 1984;Smith 1984;Strømnes & Andersen, 1998;Abollo et al, 2001;Silva & Eiras, 2003). Slow migration of the larvae from viscera to the muscle tissue or the skin after the death of the host can in some cases take place (Smith, 1984;Abollo et al, 2001). In the present study, the fish were examined only few hours after been caught and most larvae were found on the gonads rather than other organs.…”

“…There is an extensive world literature on Anisakis and anisakiosis. In late decades, in fishery and parasitology sciences the interest of many publications is focused on the prevalence of Anisakis infection, the distribution of larvae in the host and the relationship between fish's age/length and its parasitic burden (Smith, 1984;Abaunza et al, 1995;Adroher et al, 1996;Manfredi et al, 2000;Abollo et al, 2001). Very little is known about the prevalence, the distribution or the burden of larval anisakid nematodes among the fish species found in the Aegean Sea.…”

Ecology and Genetic Structure of Zoonotic Anisakis spp. from Adriatic Commercial Fish Species

“…in the Mediterranean (19)(20)(21)(22) and the Adriatic Sea (23)(24)(25), an updated assessment of infection levels in commercial fish species is important for the implementation of risk analysis. In coastal parts of the Adriatic, traditional home-made, thermally unprocessed fish, mostly pickled, marinated, or salted anchovies and sardines, are particularly well-kown ethnic dishes that need to be considered in relation to Anisakis infection in humans, and also because their elevated consumption correlates with the tourist season in the Adriatic.…”

Comparison of anisakid infection levels between two species of Atlantic mackerel (<em>Scomber colias</em> and <em >S. scombrus</em>) off the Atlantic Portuguese coast

“…Both S. colias and S. scombrus are common hosts of anisakids in different geographic areas, particularly in Europe (Abollo et al 2001, Mattiuci and Nascetti 2008, Pontes et al 2005. There are also several records from African countries (Abattouy et al 2011, Farjallah et al 2008, Kijewska et al 2009).…”