Detection of Parasites in Marine Fishes and Marine Fish Products During 2018-2020

Abstract

       Fish meat is highly nutritious with easily digestible protein. The nutrients in sea fishes can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and nourish the brain and nervous system to improve memory and learning. Moreover, vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus contained in sea fishes can enrich and strengthen the bones and teeth. In addition, fish contains less fat than other meats, thus helping to control weight. Nowadays, Thai people are increasingly interested in healthy food and there are plenty of raw fish dishes usually found in the stores. However, some kinds of raw marine fishes are intermediate hosts of anisakid nematode larvae, the causative agents of anisakiasis. For consumer protection, 74 samples of marine fishes and fish products consisting of 53 samples of canned fish, 11 samples of frozen whole fishes and 10 samples of frozen fillets were examined. Of all the samples, 16 (21.62%) were infected with anisakid nematodes larvae, including 6 of canned fish, 6 of frozen whole fishes and 4 of frozen fish fillets; the proportions of infected canned fish, frozen whole fishes and frozen fish fillets were 11.32%, 54.54% and 40.00%, respectively. The highest number of parasites was found in the abdomen of frozen whole saba fish, followed by mackerel in brine or sauce. Therefore, eating partially cooked marine fish may cause anisakiasis and consumers should have this kind of food properly cooked before eating.