Parasites in sushi's gastrointestinal infection caused by mini-roundworms

Anisakiasis from roundworms: In sushi sometimes dangerous parasites stuck
In recent decades, Japanese food has become increasingly popular in Europe as well. There is hardly a larger city in Germany today without a sushi restaurant. The fish dishes are considered very healthy, but sometimes there are also dangerous parasites to find that can sometimes lead to severe stomach pain.

Sushi with side effects
The high life expectancy of the Japanese is linked, among other things, with their healthy diet. Sushi and Co ensure a long life. In the past, however, it has been shown that raw fish can also pose a health hazard. Chinese doctors reported years ago about a patient who had thousands of tapeworms in the body after eating sushi. In Portugal, a case was also revealed in which the consumption of the popular Japanese food had a negative impact on health.

Stomach ache caused by roundworms
Physicians around Dr. Joana Carmo of the Egas Moniz Hospital in Lisbon, Portugal, reported in the British Medical Journal Case Reports on a patient who suffered severe stomach pain, nausea and vomiting and fever for one week after eating sushi.

The 32-year-old's symptoms and a blood test that indicated increased levels of inflammation indicated anisakiasis, an infectious disease caused by roundworms.

The tiny parasites can sometimes be found in raw fish like sushi or matjes. "Anisakis can infect salmon, herring, cod, mackerel, squid, halibut, and red snapper," Carmo said, according to a report by "CNN.".

She said, "In European countries, fish infestation is probably more common than we thought. One study found that Anisakis simplex (the species most commonly associated with human infection) was found in 39.4 percent of the fresh mackerel sampled in various fish markets in Granada, Spain. "

And another study in Spain found that nearly 56 percent of blue whiting sold in five supermarket chains was affected.

Heat fish or freeze
To prevent infection, the fish must be heated to over 60 degrees or cooled to below -20 degrees. These temperatures do not survive the pathogen.

In the patient in Lisbon, the larvae of Anisakis roundworms were detected by endoscopic examination. The doctors removed the parasites with a special net.

Thereafter, "the symptoms of the patient immediately subsided," reported the clinic team, according to a report by the "BBC". (Ad)