Anisakidosis

Background

Microbiology

• Infection caused by nematodes of the family Anisakidae
• Most common causes of disease in humans are Anisakis simplex and Pseudoterranova decipiens

Epidemiology

• Acquired by eating raw or undercooked saltwater fish or squid
• >90% of reported cases have been in Japan, primarily among adult men in coastal regions
• Other cases have been in coastal areas of Europe, such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Spain
• Cases have also been reported in United States, Canada, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, and Egypt
• Likely increasing in incidence as more people consume more sushi and salted, smoked, or pickled fish

Further Reading

• Anisakidosis: Perils of the Deep. Clin Infect Dis. 51(7);2010:806–812. doi: 10.1086/656238