Classification: ICD-9 127.1; ICD-10 B81.0
Synonyms: Anisakiasis, pseudaterranovosis, Cod worm disease, Herring worm disease, Whaleworm disease, and Sealworm disease.
Agent: The nematodes: Anisakis simplex, A. physeteris, Pseudoterranova decipiens, and Contracaecum spp. A. simplex and P. decipiens are the most important species for human disease. Anisakis larvae are whitish, tightly coiled, 1.5–2 cm in length, and difficult to see in fish flesh. Pseudoterranova larvae are 2–3 cm in length and red to brown in color.
Reservoir: Marine mammals (definitive host), marine invertebrates (intermediate host), and fish (intermediate host). Fish are frequently infected: tuna, cod, mackerel, herring, red snapper, pike, sardines, salmon. A. simplex and A. physeteris are parasites of whales, seals, walruses, sea lions, and related mammals. P. decipiens is found in Pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, walruses). Contracaecum spp. are parasites of sea eels and whiting, and have been associated with human anisakiasis.
Transmission: Ingestion of raw or undercooked fish. There is no person-to-person transmission.
Cycle
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