Tips to prevent anisakis in 2020
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There are several factors that can affect health in a negative way, among them is the anisakis, a parasite capable of causing conditions that could even lead to death.
This parasitic infection is present in some species of fish, octopus and molluscs, foods that are part of our regular diet.
Here we will share some symptoms, treatments and recommendations to fight anisakis.
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What is anisakis?
The anisakis is a parasite between 20 cm and 30 cm long , capable of causing digestive diseases and allergic reactions from the consumption of fish, octopus, squid and other cephalopods..
In some cases, the anisakis effects are usually serious, so caution is recommended when buying, handling and preparing food from the sea.
Another relevant aspect of anisakiasis is the way of contracting this disease, since the consumption of fish and cephalopods -contaminated with the anisakis parasite- is the only possible way of transmission.
Reproductive method
The reproductive method of anisakis requires the presence of several hosts throughout the process.
Generally, anisakis are found in most of the fish we eat, lodged in the form of larvae
For effective development, these larvae prefer to be located within the intestine and other internal organs, especially those present in the abdominal cavity ofthe fish.
They can also be found encapsulated in the fish musculature and in captive-bred species, especially when fed parasite food.
Life cycle of the parasite
The life cycle of the anisakis parasite hasan average life span of 2 to 3 months.
Marine mammals excrete the eggs, which when in contact with water – after embryo – are released as infected larvae.
These larvae serve as food for fish, crustaceans and cephalopods , which ingest them without thinking.
In this way, the fish become infected with anisakis. Immediately, these fish adopt the ability to infect humans and marine mammals.
Once the parasites have been ingested, starts the life cycle of the anisakis again, with the capacity to infect new fish or humans.
I think I ate anisakis. What can happen to me?
Eating fish, octopus or other cephalopods infected with anisakis can have serious effects on your health.
Anisakiasis and allergy to anisakis are the main consequences that can generate this dangerous parasite.
Anisakiasis
By eating contaminated food, anisakis larvae penetrate the mucous membrane of the stomach or intestine causing abdominal pain, swelling, vomiting and diarrhoea.
In the most severe cases of anisakiasis, patients have developed perforations in the stomach or intestine.
When severe infection occurs, the larvae migrate to other organs and tissues.
Anisakis allergy
This pathology is even more delicate than anisakiasis , since it is not necessary to eat contaminated food to suffer from it.
Anisakis produces proteins that remain in the fish and cause allergic reactions in sensitive people such as: itching, swelling and even anaphylactic shock.
Both pathologies can trigger serious anisakis effects, if not treated quickly and adequately.
Symptoms of anisakis infection
The symptoms of anisakis occur depending on the location of the parasite, after ingestion of the parasitized food.
There are three clinical forms that allow us to know how to detect anisakis when they are infected:
Gastric form
The gastric form occurs once the anisakis larva enters the digestive tract and after a few hours the symptoms of anisakis start causing: nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain.
Intestinal form
In the intestinal form, the symptoms of anisakis occur between 48 and 72 hours after consumption of the infected food.
The symptoms are similar to those of an acute appendicitis, patients suffer from nausea, vomiting, acute abdominal pain and alteration of the intestinal rhythm that can cause diarrhoea or constipation.
Ectopic or extragastrointestinal form
The ectopic or extragastrointestinal form occurs when the gastric or intestinal wall is perforated by anisakis larvae , causing migration to the lung, pancreas, liver and other vital organs. In these cases, surgery is required.
In addition, it is also possible that the larvae can reach the oropharynx from the stomach, causing the patient to cough to make way for the expulsion of the larvae.
Another ectopic form related to the symptoms of anisakis is that caused by allergies after the consumption of parasitized fish, which -a little more than half an hour after the ingestion- of the food can cause:
- Hives on the skin.
- Swelling in eyelids and lips.
- Nausea.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Feeling of fullness
- Diarrhea
- Palmoplantar itching
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Feeling of death.
How is it diagnosed?
There are several tests that allow us to know how to detect anisakis and facilitate the diagnosis of the patient
The specialists recommend carrying out studies that include serological, radiological and ultrasound tests to obtain a complete diagnosis.
Serological tests
Serological tests are used to determine the presence of antibodies to specific antigens
One of the most commonly used skin tests is the Prick Test, which consists of spreading an allergic reaction on the skin in order to find out what type of substances you are allergic to.
Radiological tests
Radiological tests allow the discovery of failures in the normal functioning of the organism.
Using barium it is possible to determine the presence of some pathology and confirm – for example – the presence of an edema in the intestinal mucosa.
Ultrasound tests
Ultrasound tests complement the diagnosis of some pathology, in the case of suspicion of the presence of anisakis, with an ultrasound scan it is possible to confirm the thickening of a segment of the intestine.
Common treatments
In the presence of anisakis symptoms and a confirmed diagnosis of this pathology, the concern arises of how to eliminate anisakis.
Generally, the treatment used in most patients includes the use of gastric protectors
In addition to the use of gastric protectors, another treatment used to eliminate anisakis is through endoscopy, once the parasite has been located in the body.
If the patient presents inflammation, it is advisable to indicate corticoids. With this type of medicine, surgical interventions will be avoided.
As for the symptoms caused by allergic reactions to anisakis, the use of antihistamines reduces the symptoms. In case of an anaphylactic reaction, it should be treated with adrenaline immediately.
Preventive measures to avoid anisakis
Among the preventive measures to avoid anisakis we can mention
- Checking the temperature of the freezer: ensuring that the temperature of the freezer is kept at -18°C and -20°C.
- Check the fish before purchasing and clean it well before freezing.
- Checking the temperature of your freezer: in order to determine the ideal time of conservationof the fish.
- If your freezer reaches -20°C, it is recommended to keep the fish frozen for at least 7 days.
- If your freezer reaches -18°C, the conservation period for frozen fish is at least 5 days
- Handle and prepare seafood properly.
- Cook the fish at a temperature of 60°C for 10 minutes.
Products to be frozen
Among the products that should be frozen when preparing at home to reduce the effects of anisakis we have
- Raw fish eggs.
- Marinated fish such as ceviche
- Marinated fish such as ceviche.
- Raw fish prepared in brine
- Cold-smoked fish.
- Raw fish sushi, sashimi, carpaccio.
Foods that do not require freezing
Other foods that do not need to be kept frozen are
- Fish from inland waters such as lakes, rivers or swamps, as well as freshwater fish such as trout or carp.
- Semi-preserved anchovies that are stored in glass or metal containers.
- The traditionally dried fish such as cod.
- The clams, coquinas, oysters and mussels.
Laws that fight this parasite
Among the laws that combat anisakis we have European and Spanish legislation , which oblige businesses to sell fish without parasites present.
Establishments that serve food must guarantee that the food or seafood is properly prepared in order to destroy anisakis parasites according to the conditions established by the legislation.
Another important aspect established in national legislation obliges shops to inform consumers about the conditions, handling and treatment of food prepared there for consumption.
Keys to prevent infection
Controlling the presence of parasites in fish is often impossible. However, it is possible to prevent the spread of anisakis by inactivating the parasites before consumption.
Among the keys to avoiding the spread of anisakis are heat treatments such as freezing and cooking.
In addition to this, avoid consumption of the ventral area of the fish as well as the areas surrounding the digestive system.
It is also important to carry out a visual examination to verify the condition of the fish to be consumed
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