Parasites - Anisakiasis

 

Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by anisakid nematodes (worms) that can invade the stomach wall or intestine of humans. The transmission of this disease occurs when infective larvae are ingested from fish or squid that humans eat raw or undercooked. In some cases, this infection is treated by removal of the larvae via endoscopy or surgery.

Images: Left: A coiled anisakid worm (Pseudoterranova decipiens) in a fillet of cod. Center: A view of the anterior (head) end of Pseudoterranova decipiens, showing the presence of “lips”; taken under differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. Right: Pseudoterranova decipiens recovered from a human patient. (Credit: DPDx)