What is anisakiasis?

Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by larval intestinal nematodes of the family Anisakidae. It is characterized by the burrowing of the worms into the digestive tract of the host organism, causing the attraction of eosinophils to the site and the formation of a granuloma.

 

What is the infectious agent?

-Anisakis simplex (herring worm)

-Pseudoterranova (Phocanema) decipiens (cod or seal worm)

-Contracaecum spp.

-Hysterothylasium spp.

 

What is the primary cause of infection?

Human infection is caused by the consumption of live larvae in raw or undercooked fish (often marinated, pickled, smoked, or salted).

 

In other words...

You'll never look at sushi the same way again.