anisurum

Anisurum is a genus of parasitic nematodes belonging to the family Anisakidae. These nematodes are commonly found in marine animals, particularly fish and cephalopods, serving as intermediate hosts. Adult anisurum worms reside in the stomachs of marine mammals such as seals, dolphins, and whales, which act as definitive hosts.

The life cycle of anisurum involves the release of eggs in the feces of infected marine mammals. These eggs embryonate in seawater and hatch into free-swimming larvae. Small invertebrates or fish ingest these larvae, becoming infected. Larger fish or cephalopods then consume the smaller infected prey, accumulating the anisurum larvae in their tissues. When a marine mammal consumes infected fish or cephalopods, the larvae mature into adult worms in the digestive tract, completing the cycle.

In humans, infection with anisurum larvae, known as anisakiasis, occurs through the consumption of raw or undercooked seafood contaminated with these larvae. Symptoms can range from mild gastrointestinal discomfort to severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. Diagnosis typically involves endoscopy to visualize and remove the worms, or serological tests. Prevention strategies focus on thorough cooking or freezing of seafood to kill the larvae.