Zoonotic disease of Anisakiasis

Anisakiasis is an infection by the larval stages of ascaridoid roundworm Anisakis simplex from the family Anisakidae of the order Ascaridida.

Epidemiological studies conducted in Japan, have shown that cases of anisakiasis were likely to be encountered in coastal areas where individuals were involved in the fish industry.

Cases in Europe, the United States and elsewhere also appear to be on the rise, but are more likely the result of culinary habits associated with ethic groups or restaurants.

The adult Anisakis spp, inhabits the stomachs of sea mammals, such as small whales, dolphins, and seals, and passes eggs with feces into the oceans. Larvae hatch and are ingested by tiny crustaceans, which become infected and are in turn eaten by fish and squid.

The larval stage is found in a wide variety of fish, of which herring cod and the Alaskans Pollack are the most significant for human infection because they are most frequently eaten raw.

Humans are accidentally hosts in the life cycle of anisakid nematodes and although the parasites almost never develop further within human alimentary tract they may penetrate the tract and associated organs, with severe pathological consequences.

Ingestion of Anisakis larvae with seafood is often responsible for acute allergic manifestations such as urticaria and anaphylaxis, with or without accompanying gastrointestinal symtomatology.
Zoonotic disease of Anisakiasis

Benefits Associated with Nutrients from Seafood

Benefits Associated with Nutrients from Seafood
The high nutritional quality of seafood makes it an important component of a healthy diet.

While protein is an important macronutrient in the diet, most American already consumes enough and do not need to increase their intake.

Fats and oil are also part of a healthy diet, but the type and amount of fat can be important - for example, with regard to cardiovascular disease.

Many Americans consume greater than recommended amounts of saturated fat as well as cholesterol from high-fat protein foods such as beef and pork.

Many seafood selections are lower in total and saturated fats and cholesterol than some more frequently selected anima protein foods such as fatty cuts of beef, pork and poultry and are equivalent in amount of fat to some leaner cuts of meat.

Since it is lower in saturated fats however by substituting seafood more often for other animal foods, consumers can decrease their overall intake of both total and saturated fats while retaining the nutritional quality of their protein food choices.

Seafood is also a primary source of EPA and DHA in the American diet.

The contribution of the nutrients to improving health and reducing risk for certain chronic disease in adult has not been completely elucidated.

There is evidence however, to suggest there are benefits to the developing infants such as increasing length of gestation, improved visual acuity and improve cognitive development.

In addition, there is evidence to support an overall benefit to the general population for reduced risk of heart disease among those who eat seafood compared to those who do not, and there may be benefits from consuming EPA and DHA for adults at risk for coronary heart disease.
Benefits Associated with Nutrients from Seafood