Prevalence and Mean Intensity of Anisakidae Parasite in Seafood Caught in the Mediterranean Sea Focusing on Fish Species at Risk of Being Raw-consumed. A Meta Analysis and Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and mean intensity of anisakids in seafood caught in the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on fish species at risk of being raw-consumed.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published from 1960-2012.

STUDY SELECTION: Main criteria for the inclusion of studies were as follows: Findings of anisakid larvae, in both muscles and viscera; fish species for human consumption caught in the Mediterranean Sea; prevalence and mean intensity data for each species; and sample size equal to or more than 40 fishes.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were identified. Among these, four studies considered the following three fish species that are often consumed raw or preserved lightly, or not cooked thoroughly: anchovy, pilchard, and Atlantic mackerel.

DATA SYNTHESIS: All pooled analyses were based on the random-effect model. Anisakids prevalence in fish muscle was 0.64% (P < 0.0001), in viscera it was 1.34% (P < 0.0001), and overall prevalence was 0.95% (P < 0.0001). Mean intensity in muscle was 2.31 (P = 0.0083), in viscera it was 1.55 (P = 0.0174), and overall it was 1.81 (P < 0.0005). Heterogeneity indices (I(2)) were significantly high with the exception of viscera mean intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Anchovy, pilchard, and Atlantic mackerel have a low prevalence and mean intensity of anisakidae larvae in both viscera and muscles. Mean Intensity was also low.