Understand Anisakis: Treatments and prevention, as well as the causes of infection
Anisakis is a parasitic infection that affects your gastrointestinal tract. It's caused by eating raw or uncooked seafood that has been infected with Anisakis larve. This infection can cause severe abdominal pains and digestive problems. Globalization has increased the incidence of this infection, which is most common in areas where raw fish consumption is widespread. The purpose of this article is to give a complete understanding of Anisakis, including its causes, treatment, opinions from experts, and tips for prevention.
What is Anisakis Infection
Anisakis, or anisakiasis is an infection caused by nematode nematodes of the Anisakis species. The parasites can be found on marine fish, squid and other sea creatures. Humans can be infected by eating raw or undercooked fish that contains the parasite larvae. Anisakis is estimated to affect thousands of people each year. However, it may be underdiagnosed because the symptoms are nonspecific.
Parasites can't survive on humans, so their deaths cause severe abdominal pain and nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, allergic reactions also occur. The diagnosis is confirmed by endoscopy and surgery which reveal the presence of larvae within the digestive tract.
Anisakis: Common causes of infection
Anisakis is primarily caused by the consumption of seafood that has been infected with Anisakis larvae. These include the following:
- Sashimi and sushi (especially when made from raw cod, herring or squid).
- Ceviche is a raw fish dish that's cured with citrus juices.
- The larvae of seafood that is smoked, pickled, salted or otherwise not adequately treated.
Anisakis Treatment
Anisakis can be treated in several ways:
- Endoscopic removal: The most common method of treatment is to use an endoscope to remove larvae in the digestive tract.
- Surgery If intestinal obstruction or other severe complications occur in the case of surgery, it may be necessary to remove larvae.
- Medicine: The anti-parasitic drug is seldom used as parasites cannot live in human bodies and die within weeks.
Anisakis Infection: Expert opinions
To prevent Anisakis, experts recommend freezing or cooking seafood properly. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that freezing seafood at -4degF for 7 days or flash-freezing it at -31degF until solid and storing the food at ambient temperature for 15 hrs is enough to kill parasites. It is possible to kill parasites by cooking the food at a temperature above 145degF for 15 seconds.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
Anisakis is best treated by prevention. These are some helpful tips.
- Do not eat raw fish or squid.
- Before consumption, properly cook or freeze seafood.
- When dining out be aware of potential risks, particularly in restaurants that serve raw seafood.
Anisakis is a parasitic infection that occurs when raw or undercooked fish infected with Anisakis larves are consumed. The infection may cause abdominal pain, but it can be prevented by properly cooking or freezing seafood. Globally, awareness of the causes and methods for prevention can reduce this infection's incidence. The article provides a thorough understanding of Anisakis, including its causes, possible treatment, opinions from experts, and tips for prevention.
.