Eosinophilic gastroenteritis and Anisakis

Abstract

Immunologic methods to detect specific antibodies against Anisakis should be used routinely before diagnosing EG as primary disorder. Preventive measures are of capital importance.

Anisakis pegreffii-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness Is Mediated by Gamma Interferon in the Absence of Interleukin-4 Receptor Alpha Responsiveness

“…This pathology is in agreement with the strong Th2 cytokine response induced by Anisakis infection (37), which could drive goblet cell hyperplasia through increased IL-4R␣ signaling in airway epithelial cells (27) and eosinophilia through IL-5 (25). Eosinophilia may also be promoted by the chemotactic properties of the Anisakis extract (16). Intranasal sensitization resulted in lower numbers of eosinophils in the BAL fluid and lower levels of IL-5 production than those obtained with live infection.…”

Emerging helminth zoonoses

“…Sensitisation may result in urticaria, angioedema or anaphylaxis after eating infected seafood [19]. Indeed, this syndrome may be responsible for a signi®cant proportion of cases of so-called idiopathic eosinophilic gastroenteritis [20]. In addition, the local allergic response may result in signi®cant pathology, including intestinal obstruction, and mesenteric adenitis mimicking the symptoms of appendicitis.…”

The physiological and pathophysiological roles of eosinophils in the gastrointestinal tract

“…The disease is transmitted to humans by ingestion of raw, pickled, or slightly salted contaminated fish, such as sushi, green herring or gravid lax. Recent studies demonstrate that this parasite is of worldwide importance (85)(86)(87), and several authors emphasize that this helminthic infection must be widely included in the differential diagnosis of any eosinophilic gastrointestinal condition (84,88). However, precise epidemiological data covering the incidence and prevalence of this parasite are still lacking.…”

“…This infection-induced tissue eosinophilia is characterized by the discrepancy that the parasite itself is morphologically no longer detectable, but serological tests demonstrate that an infection has taken place. Anisakis simplex, a nematode belonging to the Ascaridia superfamily, harbours this risk and can evoke persistent oesophageal (83) or gastrointestinal eosinophilia (84).…”