Sushi lovers have been warned about raw-fish parasites after a man was found with a disgusting worm in his gut

pulse

May 12, 2017 10:56 AM

Doctors have warned that the growing popularity of sushi in Western countries could lead to a rise in parasitic infections.

Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by the consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked fish or seafood.

Doctors have warned that the growing popularity of sushi in Western diets could lead to a rise in parasitic infections.

Writing in the British Medical Journal BMJ) Case Reports, Lisbon-based researchers found a healthy 32-year-old man fell violently ill after eating raw fish.

The man was admitted to hospital after suffering severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever for a week after eating a sushi meal.

The results of an endoscopy found that a worm-like parasite larva had formed in his gut, indicating a disease kown as anisakiasis. The larva was removed and the patient's symptoms improved immediately, according to the BMJ report.

The medics warned that "owing to changing food habits, anisakiasis is a growing disease in Western countries, which should be suspected in patients with a history of ingestion of raw or uncooked fish."

Most cases of anisakiasis have been reported in Japan, according to the report, where sushi originates from.

Below, the endoscopy results show the worm-like parasite larva firmly attached to the lining of the 32-year-old patient's gut.

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