Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Anisakidosis in both European (Merluccius merluccius) and Lizard Head (Saurida undosquamis) Hakes

Abstract

This study focuses on Anisakidosis as a disease caused by a number of Anisakid larvae including Anisakis simplex, Pseudoterranova decipiens, Hysterothylacium spp. and Contracaecum spp., through assessing the clinical signs and the clinical examination of the disease in 170 Lizard head (Saurida undosquamis) and 160 European hakes (Merluccius merluccius) during the period from April 2011 to July 2012. In addition, identification of the recovered larvae morphologically and using random modified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) technique. No obvious clinical signs were observed in the examined fish. The post mortem examination revealed the presence of free or encapsulated larvae within the body cavity, on the visceral organs and in the musculature. The seasonal prevalence of Anisakid larvae was the highest in spring and summer and its lowest level was in autumn in both examined fish spp. The highest intensity of larvae was observed in the organs and viscera rather than in the musculature. RAPD technique identified the recovered larvae using four arbitrary primers. It could be concluded that Anisakid larvae can be easily identified using molecular tools by its well characterized genetic finger print and that in turn will help in its diagnosis in parallel with the traditional tools.