Foodborne anisakiasis and allergy

Mol Cell Probes. 2014 Aug;28(4):167-74. doi: 10.1016/j.mcp.2014.02.003. Epub 2014 Feb 27.

Abstract

Human anisakiasis, a disease caused by Anisakis spp. (Nematoda), is often associated with clinical signs that are similar to those associated with bacterial or viral gastroenteritis. With the globalisation of the seafood industry, the risk of humans acquiring anisakiasis in developed countries appears to be underestimated. The importance of this disease is not only in its initial manifestation, which can often become chronic if the immune response does not eliminate the worm, but, importantly, in its subsequent sensitisation of the human patient. This sensitisation to Anisakis-derived allergens can put the patient at risk of an allergic exacerbation upon secondary exposure. This article reviews some aspects of this food-borne disease and explains its link to chronic, allergic conditions in humans.

Keywords: Allergen; Allergy; Anisakiasis; Anisakis; Fish; Food-borne parasite; Nematode.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anisakiasis / epidemiology*
  • Anisakiasis / immunology*
  • Anisakiasis / parasitology
  • Anisakis / classification
  • Anisakis / isolation & purification
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology
  • Food Safety
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / parasitology*
  • Phylogeography
  • Seafood / parasitology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Helminth