Parasites and Health [Last Modified: ]
Anisakiasis
[Anisakis simplex] [Pseudoterranova decipiens]

Causal Agent Life Cycle Geographic Distribution Clinical Features Laboratory Diagnosis Treatment

Clinical Features:
Within hours after ingestion of infected larvae, violent abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting may occur.  Occasionally the larvae are coughed up.  If the larvae pass into the bowel, a severe eosinophilic granulomatous response may also occur 1 to 2 weeks following infection, causing symptoms mimicking Crohn's disease.

Laboratory Diagnosis:
Diagnosis can be made by gastroscopic examination during which the 2 cm larvae are visualized and removed, or by histopathologic examination of tissue removed at biopsy or during surgery.

Treatment:
The treatment of choice is surgical or endoscopic removal.  See recommendations in The Medical Letter for complete information.

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