Abstract
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.
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Data availability
The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
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Badreddine Attir (Supervision, Conceptualization, Methodology, Data curation, Resources, Writing—original draft), Adel Mammeri (Writing—original draft, Writing—Review & Editing), Nassima Kechroud (Investigation, Writing—original draft), Khawla Mazouz (Investigation, Writing—original draft), Djouhaina Chabira (Investigation, Writing—original draft). Haroun Chenchouni (Visualization, Writing—Original Draft, Writing—Review & Editing).
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The study was performed following ARRIVE guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) and U.K. Animals Act 1986 and associated guidelines.
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Attir, B., Mammeri, A., Kechroud, N. et al. A survey of nematodes in the European hake (Merluccius merluccius) intended for human consumption. J Parasit Dis (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-024-01674-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12639-024-01674-2