Infection and molecular identification of ascaridoid nematodes from the important marine food fish Japanese threadfin bream Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch) (Perciformes: Nemipteridae) in China

The Japanese threadfin bream N. japonicus (Bloch) (Perciformes: Nemipteridae) is an important marine food fish in Asia. However, our present knowledge of the occurrence of its nematode parasites is still limited. In the present study, the species composition and infection rate of ascaridoid nematodes in N. japonicus from the South China Sea, were studied for the first time. Five ascaridoid species, namely Anisakis typica (L3), Hysterothylacium amoyense (L3), Hysterothylacium sp. IV-A (L3), adult of H. thalassini and Raphidascaris lophii (L3), were identified using integrative taxonomy. Hysterothylacium amoyense was the most prevalent species (prevalence 47.2%, mean intensity 14.9 ± 17.1). Hysterothylacium thalassini and R. lophii were reported in the Japanese threadfin bream for the first time. Two different genotypes of A. typica (overall prevalence of 3.4%; mean intensity 1.7 ± 0.9) were found in the South China Sea for the first time. The unique restriction polymorphism patterns of three species of Hysterothylacium are provided for rapid diagnosis. Our present results indicate that RFLP analysis of ITS region, using the restriction enzymes HhaI and RsaI, represents a simple and practical method for large-scale surveys of Hysterothylacium for seafood industry.

Establishment and validation of ARMS (amplification-refractory mutation system) for identification of Anisakis species collected from Korean waters

The identification of Anisakis species in Korean waters was performed using an amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS). ARMS is typically used to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms or allele types in the same species. However, the application of ARMS for species identification has not been reported. We designed a tetra-primer binding the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of 76 samples of Anisakis species and obtained reproducible results. ARMS revealed 380 bp and 130 bp ITS fragments in A. pegreffii, 380 bp and 280 bp fragments in A. simplex, a 130 bp fragments in A. typica and 380 bp, 280 bp and 130 bp fragments in an A. simplex - A. pegreffii hybrid. ARMS using a tetra-primer could be a more rapid, efficient, and reliable tool for monitoring Anisakis species more rapidly than restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Detection of ascaridoid nematode parasites in the important marine food-fish Conger myriaster (Brevoort) (Anguilliformes: Congridae) from the Zhoushan Fishery, China

BACKGROUND

The whitespotted conger Conger myriaster (Brevoort) (Anguilliformes: Congridae) is an extremely marketable food fish, commonly consumed as sashimi or sushi in some Asian countries (i.e. Japan, Korea and China). Conger myriaster is also suspected as being an extremely important source of human anisakidosis. However, there is currently very little information on the levels of infection with ascaridoid nematode parasites in this economically important marine fish. The aims of the present study are to determine the species composition, prevalence and mean intensity of ascaridoid parasites of C. myriaster caught in the Zhoushan Fishery.

RESULTS

A total of 1142 third-stage ascaridoid larvae were isolated from 204 C. myriaster. The overall prevalence of infection was 100% (mean intensity 5.6). Nine species of such larvae were accurately identified using integrative taxonomic techniques involving both morphological and genetic data; these included Anisakis pegreffii, A. typica and A. simplex (sensu stricto) × A. pegreffii, Hysterothylacium fabri, H. aduncum, H. sinense, H. amoyense, H. zhoushanense and Raphidascaris lophii. Although high levels of infection and species richness were revealed in C. myriaster, most of the ascaridoid parasites (1135 individuals) were collected from the body cavity and visceral organs of the fish and only seven individuals of A. pegreffii were found in the musculature.

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the first report C. myriaster from the Zhoushan Fishery being heavily infected with third-stage ascaridoid larvae. Among the ascaridoid larvae parasitic in this fish, an important etiological agent of human anisakidosis, A. pegreffii (L3), represents the predominant species. The genus Hysterothylacium has the highest species richness, with H. fabri (L3) being the most prevalent species. This high level of infection of A. pegreffii (L3) in C. myriaster suggests a high risk of anisakidosis or associated allergies for people consuming raw or poorly cooked fish originating from this marine area. These findings provide important basic information on the occurrence and infection parameters of ascaridoid nematodes in this economically important marine fish. They also have significant implications for the prevention and control of human anisakidosis when conger eels from the Zhoushan Fishery are consumed.

Molecular Epidemiology of Anisakis and Anisakiasis: An Ecological and Evolutionary Road Map

This review addresses the biodiversity, biology, distribution, ecology, epidemiology, and consumer health significance of the so far known species of Anisakis, both in their natural hosts and in human accidental host populations, worldwide. These key aspects of the Anisakis species' biology are highlighted, since we consider them as main driving forces behind which most of the research in this field has been carried out over the past decade. From a public health perspective, the human disease caused by Anisakis species (anisakiasis) appears to be considerably underreported and underestimated in many countries or regions around the globe. Indeed, when considering the importance of marine fish species as part of the everyday diet in many coastal communities around the globe, there still exist significant knowledge gaps as to local epidemiological and ecological drivers of the transmission of Anisakis spp. to humans. We further identify some key knowledge gaps related to Anisakis species epidemiology in both natural and accidental hosts, to be filled in light of new 'omic' technologies yet to be fully developed. Moreover, we suggest that future Anisakis research takes a 'holistic' approach by integrating genetic, ecological, immunobiological, and environmental factors, thus allowing proper assessment of the epidemiology of Anisakis spp. in their natural hosts, in human populations, and in the marine ecosystem, in both space and time.

Survey on the presence of A. simplex s.s. and A. pegreffii hybrid forms in Central-Western Mediterranean Sea

In this study, 1029 fish and cephalopod samples came from Central-Western Mediterranean (FAO 37.1.1 and FAO 37.1.3) were analysed for Anisakidae larvae research with the aim to identify possible hybridisations between Anisakis pegreffii and Anisakis simplex s.s. species. A total of 1765 larvae were detected, with prevalence values between 8.1% and 100%. The morphologic analysis revealed characters attributable to morphotype I of Anisakis in 98.5% of the examined larvae, while 1.5% belonged to the morphotype II. PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the entire ITS region (ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was performed with HinfI and HhaI restriction enzymes. The majority of the larvae examined by PCR-RFLP were identified as A. pegreffii (71%), with a prevalence on horse mackerel from FAO 37.1.3, while 10% were identified as A. simplex s.s., 2% as A. physeteris and 17% as A. pegreffii×A. simplex s.s. hybrid genotype. The sequence analysis confirmed the hybridisation in the 85% of the larvae recognised as hybrid forms by PCR- RFLP, suggesting this form as the product of natural interspecific recombination due to the presence of sympatry areas. The presence of hybrid forms were mostly found in fish samples from FAO subzone 37.1.1. This is the first report of A. pegreffii x A. simplex s.s. hybrid genotype in fishes caught off the coasts of Sicily (Southern Italy). Finally, this study provided substantial information about the geographical distribution of Anisakidae family in Central-Western Mediterranean Sea.

Environmental variables and definitive host distribution: a habitat suitability modelling for endohelminth parasites in the marine realm

Marine nematodes of the genus Anisakis are common parasites of a wide range of aquatic organisms. Public interest is primarily based on their importance as zoonotic agents of the human Anisakiasis, a severe infection of the gastro-intestinal tract as result of consuming live larvae in insufficiently cooked fish dishes. The diverse nature of external impacts unequally influencing larval and adult stages of marine endohelminth parasites requires the consideration of both abiotic and biotic factors. Whereas abiotic factors are generally more relevant for early life stages and might also be linked to intermediate hosts, definitive hosts are indispensable for a parasite’s reproduction. In order to better understand the uneven occurrence of parasites in fish species, we here use the maximum entropy approach (Maxent) to model the habitat suitability for nine Anisakis species accounting for abiotic parameters as well as biotic data (definitive hosts). The modelled habitat suitability reflects the observed distribution quite well for all Anisakis species, however, in some cases, habitat suitability exceeded the known geographical distribution, suggesting a wider distribution than presently recorded. We suggest that integrative modelling combining abiotic and biotic parameters is a valid approach for habitat suitability assessments of Anisakis, and potentially other marine parasite species.

An annotated catalogue of the ascaridoid nematode parasites of Chinese vertebrates

A catalogue, based on both examined specimens and the published literature, of all the ascaridoid nematodes recorded in China is presented. A total of 95 recognised species, representing 26 genera in five families, are reported. Detailed information on the type-host, type-locality, original reference, synonyms, annotated subsequent references of taxonomic importance, other host records, site of infection, location of type-specimens and distribution are listed for each recognised species. Additional comments on the taxonomic status of some species are also given. Moreover, some nomenclatural changes are proposed: (i) Toxascaris selenarctis Wang, 1965 and T. ailuri Wu, He & Hu, 1987 are placed in synonymy with Baylisascaris transfuga (Rudolphi, 1819); (ii) Raphidascaris lophii Wang & Wu, 1991 is a secondary homonym of R. lophii (Wu, 1949) and a replacement name, R. wangi nom. nov., is proposed for the former species; (iii) Aliascaris aetoplatea Luo, 2001 is transferred to Terranova Leiper & Atkinson, 1914, as T. aetoplatea (Luo, 2001) n. comb., and should be considered a species inquirenda; (iv) Ophidascaris orientalis (Wang, 1965) is resurrected as a valid species; (v) Phocascaris longispiculum Wang & Wu, 1991 and Ophidascaris agkistrodontis Wang, 1979 are treated as incertae sedis; and (vi) Hysterothylacium sauridae Li, Xu & Zhang, 2008 is listed as a nomen nudum.

Occurrence of anisakid nematode larvae in chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) caught off Korea

Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is a pelagic fish species widely distributing in the Indo-Pacific and a commercially important fish species in Korea. It is known to harbor anisakid nematodes larvae, and ingesting the raw or undercooked fish can accidentally cause human infection. In this study, we isolated the nematode larvae in 417 chub mackerel caught from 7 sampling locations around the Korean Peninsula in 2011 and 2012, and identified them by PCR-RFLP of the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) of ribosomal DNA and the direct sequencing of the mitochondrial DNA cox2 gene. The prevalence of infection was 55.4% (231/417) and the mean intensity was 7.0 (1628/231). Most of the nematodes (1523/1628; 93.6%) were found in the body cavity, while 5.5% (89/1628) were found in the gastrointestinal tract. Four different species were identified by PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing. Most of the nematodes (1535/1628; 94.3%) were identified as Anisakis pegreffii, and 2.8% (46/1628) were identified as Hysterothylacium sp. A hybrid genotype (Anisakis simplex sensu stricto×A. pegreffii) and A. simplex sensu stricto were 2.5% (41/1628) and 0.4% (6/1628) of the identified nematodes, respectively. The anisakid nematode assemblage of chub mackerel in Korea was similar to that of chub mackerel from the Tsushima Current stock in Japan, in that A. pegreffii was the dominant species. Since most of the anisakid nematodes were found in the body cavity and most of them were identified as A. pegreffii or Hysterothylacium sp. by PCR-RFLP and direct sequencing, chub mackerel may not greatly contribute to human anisakidosis in Korea. Alternately, A. pegreffii may be responsible for human anisakidosis in Korea, in addition to A. simplex sensu stricto. Further studies, such as the molecular diagnosis of human anisakidosis, are necessary for assessing the epidemiological role of chub mackerel in Korea.

Molecular analysis of Anisakis type I larvae in marine fish from three different sea areas in Korea

Anisakiasis, a human infection of Anisakis L3 larvae, is one of the common foodborne parasitic diseases in Korea. Studies on the identification of anisakid larvae have been performed in the country, but most of them have been focused on morphological identification of the larvae. In this study, we analyzed the molecular characteristics of 174 Anisakis type I larvae collected from 10 species of fish caught in 3 different sea areas in Korea. PCR-RFLP and sequence analyses of rDNA ITS and mtDNA cox1 revealed that the larvae showed interesting distribution patterns depending on fish species and geographical locations. Anisakis pegreffii was predominant in fish from the Yellow Sea and the South Sea. Meanwhile, both A. pegreffii and A. simplex sensu stricto (A. simplex s.str.) larvae were identified in fish from the East Sea, depending on fish species infected. These results suggested that A. pegreffii was primarily distributed in a diverse species of fish in 3 sea areas around Korea, but A. simplex s.str. was dominantly identified in Oncorhynchus spp. in the East Sea.

Molecular identification of Anisakis species (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from marine fishes collected in Turkish waters

Anisakid nematodes are important etiological agents for zoonotic human anisakiasis (or anisakidosis). These parasites in the Turkish waters still remain unexplored. This study aims the molecular identification of Anisakis species in Turkey's coast from Black, Aegean and Mediterranean Sea and specifically to screen for zoonotic species in commonly commercialized a total of 1145 fish belonging to 31 different species using both polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions and the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit II (cox2) gene. A total of 776 Anisakis type I larvae were isolated in 56/1145 (4.8%) fish of 7 species from Turkish waters. The combining all of our results, e.g., morphology, PCR-RFLP, ITS region, and the cox2 gene, conclusively supported the identification of 3 Anisakis spp. taken from marine fish hosts, namely Anisakis pegreffii, Anisakis typica and Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (s.str.)/A. pegreffii hybrid genotype. No Anisakis larvae were isolated from the Black Sea whereas A. pegreffii, A. typica and A. simplex s.str./A. pegreffii hybrid genotype was found in the Aegean Sea and A. pegreffii was only isolated from the Mediterranean Sea. This study represents the first identification of A. typica and A. simplex s.str./A. pegreffii hybrid genotypes from Turkish waters. Moreover, in the present study first record of the presence of A. pegreffii is also reported from Turkish coasts of Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. No zoonotic Anisakis species were found in commonly commercialized 1025 fish belonging to 16 different species from the Black Sea, thus Turkish populations who consume captured fish from the Black Sea may have a less risk of human anisakiasis or allergies. However, the prevalence of larvae were 47.1% and 46% and recognized zoonotic A. pegreffii were identified from the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea coast, suggesting a high threat of anisakiasis or allergies for Turkish populations who consume fish originating in these regions.

Molecular characterisation of Anisakidae larvae from fish in Adriatic Sea

In the present study, anisakids from: tuna (Thunnus thynnus) fattened in the Croatian farm in middle Adriatic Sea, three different feral fish species caught near tuna farm (Trachurus trachurus, Scomber japonicus and Oblada melanura) and fish marketed in Croatia (T. trachurus) were analysed by morphology and molecular methods. Larvae were identified to the species level by PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism and characterised by sequencing of nuclear (internal transcribed spacer) and mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2) markers. The results revealed diverse Anisakidae community consisting of: Anisakis pegreffi, Anisakis simplex (s.s.), Anisakis typica and Hysterothylacium aduncum. This is the first report of A. typica in Adriatic Sea, and also the first record of this species in T. thynnus as host in Mediterranean Sea. Molecular identification of H. aduncum found in co-infection with Anisakis larvae type I expands our knowledge of the occurrence of these taxa in the Adriatic Sea. Zoonotic Anisakidae worms found in fish from the Adriatic Sea could represent a risk to acquire parasitic infection/allergies in Croatia.

Morphological and molecular study of the poorly known species Pseudanisakis rajae (Yamaguti, 1941) (Nematoda: Acanthocheilidae) from elasmobranchs in the Yellow Sea and Taiwan Strait off the coast of China

Ascaridoid nematodes identified as Pseudanisakis rajae (Yamaguti, 1941) were collected from the skates Bathyraja smirnovi (Soldatov & Pavlenko), Okamejei kenojei (Müller & Henle) and Raja pulchra Liu (Rajiformes: Rajidae) in the Yellow Sea and Taiwan Strait off the coast of China. Their examination using light microscopy and, for the first time, scanning electron microscopy revealed erroneous and previously unreported morphological features, necessitating the redescription of this little known species. In addition, specimens of P. rajae collected from the three different hosts were characterised using molecular methods by sequencing and analysing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal DNA. These new morphological and molecular data enabled an updated diagnosis of this nematode and the presentation of an identification key to the species of Pseudanisakis Layman & Borovkova, 1926.

Adaptive radiation within marine anisakid nematodes: a zoogeographical modeling of cosmopolitan, zoonotic parasites

Parasites of the nematode genus Anisakis are associated with aquatic organisms. They can be found in a variety of marine hosts including whales, crustaceans, fish and cephalopods and are known to be the cause of the zoonotic disease anisakiasis, a painful inflammation of the gastro-intestinal tract caused by the accidental consumptions of infectious larvae raw or semi-raw fishery products. Since the demand on fish as dietary protein source and the export rates of seafood products in general is rapidly increasing worldwide, the knowledge about the distribution of potential foodborne human pathogens in seafood is of major significance for human health. Studies have provided evidence that a few Anisakis species can cause clinical symptoms in humans. The aim of our study was to interpolate the species range for every described Anisakis species on the basis of the existing occurrence data. We used sequence data of 373 Anisakis larvae from 30 different hosts worldwide and previously published molecular data (n = 584) from 53 field-specific publications to model the species range of Anisakis spp., using a interpolation method that combines aspects of the alpha hull interpolation algorithm as well as the conditional interpolation approach. The results of our approach strongly indicate the existence of species-specific distribution patterns of Anisakis spp. within different climate zones and oceans that are in principle congruent with those of their respective final hosts. Our results support preceding studies that propose anisakid nematodes as useful biological indicators for their final host distribution and abundance as they closely follow the trophic relationships among their successive hosts. The modeling might although be helpful for predicting the likelihood of infection in order to reduce the risk of anisakiasis cases in a given area.

Anisakidae infection in fish of the Aegean Sea

Nematode worms of the family Anisakidae are the causative agents of infections in humans when fish is consumed raw and of serious allergies up to the death, when fish is consumed raw or cooked by previously sensitized people. From April until November 2009, 462 fish belonging to 26 species, fished in three areas of the Aegean Sea were tested for Anisakidae larvae. Anisakidae larvae were detected in 87 (18.83%) fish of 13 species. These larvae were identified by morphology as the third-stage larvae of the genera Hysterothylacium sp. or Anisakis. Larvae of the genus Anisakis were identified by PCR-RFLP as belonging to A. simplex s.str., A. pegreffii, or as hybrids between A. simplex s.str and A. pegreffii.