Anisakis spp. larvae in black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) muscle: Consumer health risk and recommendations along the value chain

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Ramos, P (Author) Other; Ayra-Pardo, C (Author) Other; Oliveira, MM (Author) Other; Rangel, LF (Author) Other; Atroch, F (Author) Other; Sirin, C (Author) Other; Santos, MJ (Author) FCUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: FOOD AND WATERBORNE PARASITOLOGY

Vol. 41

ISSN: 2405-6766

Indexing

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Other information

Authenticus ID: P-01A-SYZ

DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00305

Abstract (EN): The black scabbardfish, Aphanopus carbo, is a deep-sea Atlantic fish with socioeconomic value, but it is often heavily infected with Anisakis spp. larvae. The aim of the present work was to ascertain the distribution and quantification of Anisakis spp. larvae in the viscera and muscle of A. carbo, and to evaluate whether larval intensity in the viscera can be used to predict parasite load in the muscle. UV-press and pepsin-HCl digestion methods were complemented by molecular techniques to detect and identify the larvae. Four batches of four individuals each, one batch per season (n = 64), were obtained. Each batch, with a different parasite intensity based on visual inspection, was selected for comparison. Larval subsamples randomly selected from the viscera, belly flaps, and dorsal muscle were identified by PCR-RFLP, marking the first study of this kind in this species. Data showed that the higher the larval load in the visceral cavity and internal organs, the greater the number of larvae in the belly flaps, allowing us to predict Anisakis burden in this site. The low number and unpredictability of the zoonotic A. simplex s.s in the dorsal muscle pose a risk to consumers. Epidemiological data support discarding the belly flaps from fish with relatively high parasite intensity. Additional recommendations to mitigate anisakids presence in fishery products are presented for improvement and implementation along the black scabbardfish value chain.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9