A survey of nematodes in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) intended for human consumption.

Ensuring the safety of fish for human consumption is paramount in safeguarding public health, particularly in relation to parasitic infections. The European hake (Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758) may harbor various parasitic nematodes, some of which have zoonotic potential. This cross-sectional survey analyzed a random sample of European hake collected from two fish shops in Batna city (NE Algeria). After 24 h in cold storage, the samples were transported to the laboratory for further examination. Fish autopsies revealed a staggering 70% parasitization rate. Microscopic examination of isolated nematodes, treated with glycerine, identified two genera within the Anisakidae family: Anisakis sp. (62%) and Pseudoterranova sp. (31.25%). Unidentified nematodes accounted for 6.75%. The detection of Anisakidae family nematodes in fish intended for human consumption underscores the urgency of rigorous veterinary control. This imperative measure aims to preserve public health, mitigate economic losses, and curtail the environmental consequences associated with the proliferation of such parasites. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2024. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Citation

Badreddine Attir, Adel Mammeri, Nassima Kechroud, Khawla Mazouz, Djouhaina Chabira, Haroun Chenchouni. A survey of nematodes in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) intended for human consumption. Journal of parasitic diseases : official organ of the Indian Society for Parasitology. 2024 Jun;48(2):347-357

PMID: 38840878

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