Foodborne anisakiasis and allergy
Introduction
Gastrointestinal worms represent a huge global burden of disease, with more than 2.5 billion people infected [1]. These worms are usually contracted through the ingestion of infective eggs or larvae, or through larval penetration of the skin [2]. Traditionally, these parasites are much more prevalent in developing than developed countries [3]. Some nematodes, such as Necator americanus (hookworm) and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm), are actually thought to be beneficial in preventing the development of allergy and other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as colitis, through their anti-inflammatory or immuno-modulatory excretory/secretory (ES) molecules [4], [5], [6]. In contrast, other nematodes, such as Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s.s.), are the causes of such allergic diseases [7], [8].
Anisakid nematodes (Nematoda: Anisakidae) affect a growing number of people in developed countries. Commonly reported species are Anisakis simplex (s.s.) and Anisakis pegreffii, and are known as herring, seal or cod worms. They were first implicated as a cause of gastrointestinal illness in 1876 [9], with immunological confirmation in the early 1980s [10], [11]. The causative agent was later described by van Thiel et al. [12] in a Dutch patient, who had consumed raw herring. Since this discovery, more than 20,000 cases have been reported worldwide, with the majority of cases being in Japan, where, today, 2000–3000 cases are reported annually [13], [14]. Anisakidosis refers to the disease caused by any member of the family Anisakidae, whereas anisakiasis is caused by members of the genus Anisakis. This brief review focuses on anisakiasis and its significance in relation to chronic, allergic conditions.
Section snippets
Anisakid biology
Different anisakids can be found in different cetacean hosts, depending on local environments [2], [15], [16]. Genetically confirmed A. simplex (s.s.) has been recorded in nine species of cetacean hosts, whereas A. pegreffii has been found as an adult in three species of dolphin (family Delphinidae) [17]. Infected cetacean definitive hosts excrete Anisakis eggs in their faeces into the aquatic environment. Individual first-(L1) and then second-stage (L2) larvae develop inside these eggs.
Molecular identification and classification of anisakids
There are many species of Anisakis which can vary considerably in their host and geographical distributions as well as biology (reviewed in Ref. [17]). For example, it has been reported that A. simplex (s.s.) penetrates the musculature of Scomber japonicas (mackerel) better than A. pegreffii, leading to increased establishment and a higher intensity of infection [26]. Anisakis represents a complex of species [16], and is related to species of Pseudoterranova and Contracaecum based on the
Geographical and host distributions
The Anisakis species within Clade I are distributed mainly in the Atlantic Ocean, and the East and West Pacific, where their definitive hosts (family Delphinidae) are common. The distribution of A. simplex (s.s.) and A. pegreffii extends throughout the Mediterranean sea, with both species reaching as far north as the Arctic Circle and as far south as the Antarctic waters [43]. Multiple anisakid species can be isolated from one parasitised fish. For example, Scomber japonicus (chub mackerel)
Prevalence in humans
Ingestion of anisakid larvae typically leads to a self-limiting infection, which sensitises the human host to Anisakis allergens (cf. Section 7). The country with the highest prevalence of Anisakis infections in humans is Japan. Infected sushi and sashimi (national dishes of raw fish) are a significant source of human infection, with 2000–3000 cases of anisakiasis being reported annually [14]. The globalisation of provincial cuisine has also increased the number and distribution of consumers
Allergic responses in humans and anisakid allergens
Although some helminths do not usually induce allergic responses in humans, anisakids often do. Clinical signs include urticaria, rhinitis, bronco-constriction, cough and/or gastrointestinal responses [2], [20]. Frequently, acute allergic reactions can be seen, with no or minor gastrointestinal problems. On the other hand, gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes occur without an allergic component. In relation to anisakids, the predominant response seems to be Th2-mediated, resulting in the
Food safety considerations
The consumption of food and food products has altered considerably over the last few centuries due to the development of new modes of transport, agriculture, population growth and globalisation. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the total consumption of fish has been increasing at a rate of 3.6% per year since 1961 [99]. The average apparent consumption per capita increased from approximately 9 kg in the early 1960s to 16 kg in 1997, showing that demand has nearly doubled in 40
Conclusion
A. simplex and A. pegreffii are well known parasitic pathogens of humans in countries such as Japan, where the provincial cuisine includes raw or undercooked fish. In the last few years, these nematodes have been newly discovered in Chinese and Australian waters, where local fish species act as paratenic hosts. Recently, sea lamprey has been described as a new paratenic host, which could account for the spread of Anisakis larvae into both fresh and sea waters [18]. The increased number of new
Acknowledgements
Financial support from the Australian Research Council (ARC) to AL is acknowledged. AL is holder of an ARC Future Fellowship. Financial support from a JCU Centre of Biodiscovery & Molecular Development of Therapeutics Seed Grant to FB and the ABRS to AL and RG is acknowledged. The Gasser Lab is supported by grants from the ARC and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
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