Anisakis allergy in human

Abstract

Several case reports show allergy and anaphylactic reactions to the fish parasite Anisakis in the domestic and occupational setting. Compared with other well-studied parasitic diseases, fish-borne parasitic zoonoses do not get enough attention, especially because these zoonoses have been limited for the most part to populations living in middle-income countries. Human fishery product-borne parasitic diseases caused by nematodes result in infection following ingestion of viable parasites, or as allergic reactions against parasite antigens. With the globalization of the seafood industry, the risk of humans acquiring anisakiasis in developed countries appears to be underestimated. The risk of infection with Anisakis simplex and related parasites of fish has been recognized for some time, but it is now emerging that indigestion of material from dead parasites in food also present a danger. The resulting allergic reactions range from rapid onset and potentially lethal anaphylactic reaction to chronic, debilitating conditions. This review discusses the importance of infection with Anisakis simplex and potential of allergy in human.