HOST SPECIFICITY, INFECTION DYNAMICS, AND ALLERGENICITY IN ANISAKIS SPP. INFESTATION: A REVIEW

Abstract

This review article's main focus is on the host specificity, infection dynamics, and allergenicity of Anisakis spp. infestations, that have been linked to major health issues for the general public. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive bibliographical search was conducted using online sources such as ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Springer Link, and Wiley Online Library. These sources provided a diverse range of articles, research papers and other relevant literature on the subject and provided valuable insights. Anisakis spp. have complex life cycles, mainly marine animals as their primary host, providing a suitable environment for their growth and reproduction. Through the feces of their hosts, their eggs are released into the sea and grow into free-swimming larvae (L2), which infect intermediate hosts like crustaceans. The L2 larvae develop into L3 and are eaten by fish, squid, or cephalopods as paratenic hosts, whilst humans and ducks become unintentional hosts when they consume contaminated seafood. Human gastroenteritis is the most prevalent illness produced by L3 larvae penetrating the gastric wall. Anisakiasis causes stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or severe allergies can lead to death. Eleven allergen proteins were isolated and identified from Anisakis spp., Ani s 1, Ani s 4, Ani s 5, Ani s 6, Ani s 7, Ani s 8, Ani s 9, Ani s 10, Ani s 11 and Anis 12. Ani s 1, Ani s 5 and Ani s 9, are heat-stable, and persist post-cooking. The host specificity, infection dynamics, and allergenicity of Anisakis spp. infestations have yet to be fully explored in the literature, making this review a unique contribution to its field.