Intestinal Anisakiasis in Japan: Infected Fish, Sero-Immunological Diagnosis, and Prevention

Cases of intestinal anisakiasis, caused by infestation with Anisakis simplex larva, are being increasingly reported in both Europe and the United States. The most information about this affliction, however, comes from Japan, where specialists have greater experience in its diagnosis and treatment. This book is based on approximately 600 cases of intestinal anisakiasis in Japan and gives important new findings on the subject. Specific topics include the changes in infection rates among fish, the clinical manifestation of intestinal anisakiasis, the identification of Anisakis larva with genetic techniques, echographic and laparographic findings, and X-ray findings. The discussion of serological diagnosis includes the detection of Anisakis-specific IgG and IgE antibodies in patients' sera by using monoclonal antibodies against the larva.