Biogeography of Anisakis (Anisakidae) and Hysterothylacium (Rhaphidascarididae) nematode species in consumed fish

Abstract

The presence of ascaridoid nematodes in commonly consumed fish constitutes an important health risk for humans as well as an economic problem for fisheries. Here, information is provided on the taxonomic status of the representative “anisakid-related” species of the families Anisakidae and Raphidascarididae. These parasites have a worldwide marine geographical distribution, mainly related to the presence of the vertebrate hosts involved in their life cycle. Morphological and molecular methods currently used for specific characterization of larval and adult nematode specimens are analysed and discussed. This study is focused on the taxonomy and parasite-host distribution of species of the genera Anisakis and Hysterothylacium from the North-East Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea regions.