Description

Anisakiasis (anisakidosis) is caused by ingestion of larval nematodes of the family Anisakidae. In North America infection is usually due to Anisakis simplex (herring worm) or Pseudoterranova decipiens (cod or seal worm). Histologic identification of the anisakid larvae in human tissue can be made based on microscopic features.


Histologic Features

Anisakis species

Pseudoterranova species

lateral chords

Y-shaped

butterfly-shaped

lateral alae extending from cuticle

absent

absent

cecum

absent

present

muscle cells per quadrant

60 - 90

 

intestinal cells

60 - 80

> 100

 

where:

• Lateral alae may be seen in Enterobius or Ascaris species.

 


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