Anisakiasis is a complex infection caused by the larvae of Anisakis simplex worms, as well as other species within the genus Anisakis, Pseudoterranova decipiens complex, and Contracecum osculatum complex. As a prominent company, we are focus on developing vaccines and therapies for anisakiasis, providing high-quality services to support your research.
Overview of Anisakiasis
Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of larvae from the Anisakis species, typically through consuming raw or undercooked fish and seafood. The disease is prevalent in countries with high consumption of raw fish, such as Japan, where the incidence can reach up to 20 per 100,000 individuals annually. Recent literature indicates an increasing number of cases globally. Clinical symptoms often include acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which may mimic other gastrointestinal disorders.
Fig.1 Morphological differences among third-stage nematode larvae in fish that can cause anisakidosis. (Adroher-Auroux, F. J., and R. Benitez-Rodriguez., 2020)
Pathogenesis of Anisakiasis
Anisakiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the ingestion of third-stage larvae (L3) of Anisakis species, typically found in raw or undercooked fish and squid. These larvae can invade the gastrointestinal tract, causing severe pain, allergic reactions, and in some cases, gastrointestinal complications such as granulomas or abscesses. The pathogenesis involves the larvae's attachment to the gastric or intestinal mucosa, leading to an inflammatory response, and potentially allergic reactions, driven by the release of allergens from the larvae.
Fig.2 Histological section of a surgically removed eosinophilic granuloma showing an Anisakis sp. larva in sagittal view. (Mattiucci, S., et al., 2018)
Diagnosis Development of Anisakiasis
Recent advances in molecular diagnosis of anisakiasis have led to the development of a highly sensitive RT-PCR hydrolysis probe method, capable of detecting as little as 0.0006 ng/μL of Anisakis DNA. This technique has proven crucial in identifying the etiological agent, such as A. pegreffii, even in cases where the low DNA quantity would make detection impossible with conventional DNA sequencing methods. This innovation significantly improves the accuracy and speed of anisakiasis diagnosis, particularly in challenging cases with minimal parasite DNA.
Vaccine Development of Anisakiasis
Target Discovery
Researchers are currently exploring protease inhibitors as one approach to inhibit the growth of the parasite. Notably, surface antigens that play crucial roles in the parasite's physiology are of significant interest as potential vaccine targets.
Preclinical Research
Some studies have successfully prepared recombinant Anisakis antigens and conducted trials on mouse and fish models. The results indicate that these candidate vaccines can effectively induce immune responses and inhibit parasitic infections to a certain extent.
Our Services
At our company, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of services to support our clients in the development of innovative anisakiasis vaccines and therapies. Our team of seasoned scientists, immunologists, and pharmacologists leverages state-of-the-art technologies and deep domain expertise to accelerate the progress of your projects.
Infectious Disease Model Development Services
- Anisakis simplex-Infected Rat Model
- Humanized Immune System Mouse Model Exposed to Anisakis simplex Antigens
- Human Intestinal Xenograft Mouse Model with Anisakis simplex Infection
In anisakiasis therapy development, our team focuses on discovering and characterizing new antimicrobial agents, such as small molecules, peptides, and biologics, that target virulence factors. We also offer services to support the evaluation, optimization, and advancement of your therapeutic pipeline.
If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
References
- Adroher-Auroux, F. J., and R. Benitez-Rodriguez. "Anisakiasis and Anisakis: An Underdiagnosed Emerging Disease and Its Main Etiological Agents." Res Vet Sci 132 (2020): 535-45. Print
- Mattiucci, S., et al. "Molecular Epidemiology of Anisakis and Anisakiasis: An Ecological and Evolutionary Road Map." Adv Parasitol 99 (2018): 93-263. Print.
- De Vincentis, F., et al. "Asymptomatic Colonic Anisakiasis." Dig Liver Dis 53.5 (2021): 650-51. Print.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use
only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
