Molecular study of anisakid nematodes collected in Pomatomus saltatrix used in Japanese food preparation

Abstract

Fish represent one of the most important protein sources of animal origin for human consumption, with high digestibility and very satisfactory levels of unsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. Currently, restaurants specialized in japanese food have become common in Brazil and the concern with the introduction of culinary habits involved in the spread of parasitic diseases transmitted by fish is present. Among these diseases, there is anisquiasis, which can occur through the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish containing third or fourth stage larvae. In this case the man acts as an accidental host and the larvae do not complete their development. For any parasitological investigation and epidemiological study to be carried out with these parasites, the exact identification of the species occurring in a geographical area, represents the first parameter to be considered. Based on the above, the anisaquide nematodes collected from the marine fish species Pomatomus saltatrix in a market on the municipality of Bauru state of São Paulo, were selected for this research. The objective of this study is to identify the parasites molecularly and phylogenetically, thus helping the sanitary authorities, veterinary doctors to watch for greater control, from the production to the commercialization of the fish and to improve the quality of fish destined for the consumer and, prophylactically, prevent the spread of fish-transmissible zoonosis. (AU)