Gnathostoma spinigerum

Abstract

Humans are infected with Gnathostoma spinigerum larva, parasitic nematode by eating raw or insufficiently cooked freshwater fish. This parasite distributes mainly in Asian countries and further in the published reports from non-endemic countries. Gnathostoma larvae can move randomly in human body and cause two main symptoms; skin swellings and organ invasion syndromes. Laboratory examinations in humans have been done by symptoms accompanying with sero-tests or confirmed by worm removal. Due to the main transmission by eating fish—intermediate host or other animals-paratenic hosts, an inspection for industrial and home products of food materials made from those animals is recommended. Well cooked meat with heat is a good practice for food-safety.