Anisakis

Background

  • Parasitic disease caused by anisakid nematodes
  • Larvae ingested via undercooked fish or squid
  • Worms invade stomach or intestinal walls
Anisakid in a herring

Clinical Features

Differential Diagnosis

Helminth infections

Cestodes (Tapeworms)

Trematodes (Flukes)

Nematodes (Roundworms)

Evaluation

  • Evaluate for alternate diagnoses
  • Definitive diagnosis made by visualizing worms on endoscopy

Management

  • Endoscopic or surgical removal of worms
  • Albendazole 400mg PO BID x 6-21d

Disposition

  • Dependant on severity of presentation

See Also

External Links

References

Authors: