ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Vet. Sci., 21 February 2022

Sec. Veterinary Infectious Diseases

Volume 9 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.792346

Prevalence of Anisakid Nematodes in Fish in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • 1. College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China

  • 2. College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China

  • 3. College of Life Science, Changchun Sci-Tech University, Changchun, China

  • 4. Marine College, Shandong University, Jinan, China

  • 5. Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Higher Education of Yunnan Province, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China

Abstract

Anisakidosis, caused by anisakid larvae, is an important fish-borne zoonosis. This study aimed to summarize the prevalence of anisakid infection in fish in China. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed using five bibliographic databases (PubMed, CNKI, ScienceDirect, WanFang, and VIP Chinese Journal Databases). A total of 40 articles related to anisakid infection in fish in China were finally included. Anisakid nematodes were prevalent in a wide range of fish species, and the overall pooled prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China was 45.5%. Fresh fish had the highest prevalence rate (58.1%). The highest prevalence rate was observed in Eastern China (55.3%), and fish from East China Sea showed the highest prevalence of anisakid nematodes (76.8%). Subgroup analysis by sampling year suggested that the infection rate was higher during the years 2001–2011 (51.0%) than the other periods. Analysis of study quality revealed that the middle-quality studies reported the highest prevalence (59.9%). Compared with other seasons, winter had the highest prevalence (81.8%). The detection rate of anisakid nematodes in muscle was lower (7.8%, 95% CI: 0.0–37.6) than in other fish organs. Our findings suggested that anisakid infection was still common among fish in China. We recommend avoiding eating raw or undercooked fish. Region, site of infection, fish status and quality level were the main risk factors, and a continuous monitoring of anisakid infection in fish in China is needed.

Introduction

Anisakidosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by any member of the family Anisakidae, including the genera Anisakis, Contracaecum, and Pseudoterranova (). The first case of anisakiasis was reported in the Netherlands around 1960, and the total number of anisakiasis cases up to December 2017 was estimated to be about 76,000 throughout the world (, ). The pathogenic effects of infection by anisakid nematodes are due mainly to two mechanisms, direct tissue damage and allergic reactions (). The clinical syndromes can be categorized into gastric anisakiasis, intestinal anisakiasis, ectopic anisakiasis, and allergic anisakiasis (, ). Gastric anisakiasis represents about 95% of cases in Japan, and the typical symptom is acute and severe epigastric pain (, ). The symptoms of intestinal anisakiasis include intermittent or constant abdominal pain and/or intestinal obstruction, and treatment often requires surgery to remove the worm (, ). Moreover, infection with anisakids can lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis ().

Anisakid nematodes have an indirect life cycle, and crustaceans are intermediate hosts while fish (and mollusks) are paratenic hosts (, , ). The larvae of anisakid nematodes, especially when located in the musculature, can affect the commercial value of fish (). Furthermore, anisakid nematodes can lead to disease in fish (). Humans act only as an accidental host in the life cycle of anisakid nematodes, and the infection can be obtained through consumption of raw or incompletely cooked fish infected with the third-stage larvae of the nematode (, ). Hence, infection of fish with anisakid nematodes should be given high priority not only because of anisakiasis in humans, but also because of the economic losses to the fishing industry (, ).

Fish are one of the most important food sources in China, and a number of individual studies have reported the prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China. Meanwhile, the first human case of anisakiasis in China has been reported (). Herein, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to analyze the prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China, and the potential related factors were also investigated.

Materials and Methods

Search Strategy

This study was performed following the PRISMA guideline (Supplementary Table 1) (). Five bibliographic databases (VIP Chinese Journal Databases, WanFang, ScienceDirect, CNKI, and PubMed) were used to identify published articles regarding anisakid infection in fishes in China in both Chinese and English up to August 2020. The detailed search strategy and restriction information are recorded in Table 1. Meanwhile, the reference lists of retrieved articles and recent reviews were reviewed. Additionally, we did not contact the original investigators for additional data, and unpublished reports were not retrieved. Endnote X9.3.1 software was utilized to collate information for all studies.

Table 1

DatabaseLimitationSearch formula*
PubMedAll files(Anisakis [MeSH Terms] OR Anisaki OR Pseudoterranova OR Contracaccum OR Hysterothylacium) AND (“Fishes” [Mesh] OR fish) AND* (“China”[Mesh] OR People's Republic of China OR Mainland China OR Manchuria OR Sinkiang OR Inner Mongolia)
ScienceDirectTitle, abstract or author-specified keywords: China, fishAnisakis OR Hysterothylacium OR Pseudoterranova OR Contracaccum AND fish AND China
CNKIAdvanced search and subject term and fuzzy retrieval and synonym extensionAnisakis” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Hysterothylacium” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Pseudoterranova” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Contracaccum” and “fish” (Chinese)
Chongqing VIPAdvanced search and title or keyword and fuzzy retrieval and synonym extensionAnisakis” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Hysterothylacium” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Pseudoterranova” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Contracaccum” and “fish” (Chinese)
WanFangAdvanced search and title or keyword and fuzzy retrieval and synonym extensionAnisakis” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Hysterothylacium” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Pseudoterranova” (Chinese) and “fish” (Chinese) or “Contracaccum” and “fish” (Chinese)

Detailed search strategy and restrictions.

*

“OR” was used to connect the entry terms, and “AND” was used to connect MeSH terms, they are both boolean operators.

Study Selection

After removing duplicates, the relevant articles were selected through an initial screen of identified abstracts and/or titles and a second screen of full-text articles. Qualified studies needed to meet all of the following criteria: (i) targeted objects must be fish (ii) selected fishing sites within China; (iii) cross-sectional study; (iv) the content of the studies must include the prevalence of anisakid nematodes; and (v) natural infection. Studies with the following characteristics were excluded: using the same data; incomplete data or article; fish from abroad; having internal data conflict; other nematodes; review article; river fish article (Figure 1). Eligibility for inclusion for all studies was evaluated by two independent reviewers (QL and QW). Any disagreements were resolved by the primary reviewer's (QLG) opinion as necessary.

Figure 1

Data Extraction and Quality Assessment

Two reviewers (QW and JYM) independently extracted the following variables from each included study: Year of sampling, first author, publication year, study region, province, detection method, site of infection, collection season, sea, the total number of fishes, the number of positive samples, fish status, and fish category. The statistical geographic factor data (longitude range, latitude range, annual average rainfall, altitude, annual average temperature, and annual average humidity) were acquired from the National Meteorological Information Center of China Meteorological Administration. The primary reviewer (QLG) confirmed all the extracted data. A “quality” assessment of each included study was made by using criteria derived from the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach (). The scoring method was used for grading, and each of the below mentioned criteria was determined as 1 point: (i) randomly sampled; (ii) clear detection method; (iii) provide a detailed description of sampling method; (iv) clear sampling time; and (v) contained four or more risk factors. Studies with total score of four or five points were considered to be of high quality, studies with total scores of 2–3 points were considered to be of moderate quality, whereas studies with lower scores were marked as low quality.

Statistical Analysis

We performed meta-analysis using the package “meta” (version 4.11-0) in R software (version 3.5.2) (). Prior to meta-analysis, we tried different methods to fit the data to a Gaussian distribution: double-arcsine transformation (PFT), loga-rithmic conversion (PLN), logit transformation (PLOGIT) and arcsinetransformation (PAS). As indicated by previous studies, PFT has better variance stabilization performance (Table 2) (). The formulas for PFT were as follows:

t, transformed prevalence; n, sample size; r, positive number; se, standard error.

Table 2

Conversion formWP
PRAW0.9280.013
PLNNaNNA
PLOGITNaNNA
PAS0.9540.109
PFT0.9410.038

Normal distribution test for the normal rate and the different conversion of the normal rate.

PRAW, original rate; PLN, logarithmic conversion; PLOGIT, logit transformation; PAS, arcsine transformation; PFT, double-arcsine transformation; NaN, meaningless number; NA, missing data.

Hence, PFT was used for rate conversion in this study. Heterogeneity across all eligible studies was tested by using the Cochran Q-test and I-squared statistic. A P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistically significant heterogeneity, and I2-values of ≥25, ≥50, and ≥75% correspond to low, moderate, and high heterogeneity, respectively (). Heterogeneity was present, and hence the random effect pooled measure was selected. Forest plots were generated for overall assessment of the results of each included study and the heterogeneity between studies. A funnel plot, trim and fill method and an Egger's test were used to evaluate the publication bias of studies. In addition, the stability of our study was determined by using a sensitivity analysis ().

Meanwhile, we performed subgroup analysis stratified by the potential risk factors to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity in our meta-analysis (). The factors included the region (eastern China vs. other regions), the year of collection (2001–2011 vs. other periods), site of infection (others vs. muscle), season (winter vs. spring, summer, and autumn), seas (Bohai Sea vs. East China Sea, South China Sea, and Yellow Sea), fish status (Fresh fish vs. frozen fish, and live fish), and quality level (middle vs. high). In the meta-analysis of prevalence, regional factor is usually the source of heterogeneity. Hence, meta-regression analysis with other risk factors using the provinces as a covariate was conducted to explain the heterogeneity caused by the provinces. The explained heterogeneity of the covariates is expressed in R2.

Also, potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis based on geographical factors. We evaluated latitude (30–35° vs. other latitudes), longitude (>120° vs. other longitudes), altitude (>500 m vs. other altitudes), precipitation (1,000–1,500 mm vs. other precipitation categories), humidity (<70% vs. other humidity categories), mean temperature (15–20°C vs. mean temperature of other groups), lowest average temperature (10–15°C vs. lowest average temperature in other groups) and highest average temperature (>25°C vs. highest average temperature in other groups). The R software code for meta-analysis is shown in Supplementary Table 2.

Results

Included Studies

In this study, a total of 358 relevant articles were found. Following initial screening and removal of duplicates, 92 articles were identified. Following full text review, 52 articles were further excluded. A further search was carried out based on the reference lists of relevant studies. However, no additional qualified articles were found. Finally, 40 full-text studies published between 2000 and 2020 were included in the quantitative analysis (Figure 1). Of which, eight articles were published in English. According to our quality criteria, 26 publications were of high quality (four or five points), 14 publications showed moderate quality (two or three points), and no publications were of low quality (Table 3, Supplementary Table 3).

Table 3

Reference IDSampling timeProvinceDetection methods*No. testedNo. positiveQuality scoreQuality level
Eastern China
Zhou ()1997.11–1998.1ZhejiangMorphological identification172694High
Ye et al. ()2004.04–2005.11ZhejiangMorphological identification2811354High
Zhang et al. ()2005.03–2006.03ShandongComprehensive test123663Middle
Wang et al. ()2007.11–2008.12ZhejiangMorphological identification4202184High
Zhang et al. ()2005–2010ShanghaiMorphological identification418555High
Li et al. ()2010.01, 05, 06, 09, 11, 12; 2011.01ShandongMorphological identification113985High
Wen ()2011.05FujianComprehensive test5062834High
Zhang et al. ()2012.04JiangsuMorphological identification40323Middle
Liao et al. ()2013.11ShandongMorphological identification49104High
Kong et al. ()2011.04–2013.07ZhejiangComprehensive test1221163Middle
Li et al. ()2008.10–2010.10ZhejiangMorphological identification4302694High
Li et al. ()2011.04ShandongComprehensive test85853Middle
Lin et al. ()2012–2016FujianMorphological identification463855High
Ye et al. ()2016.06–09ShandongMorphological identification169285High
Zhang et al. ()2016.01–12ShandongMorphological identification2561704High
Zhou et al. ()2013–2014ZhejiangMorphological identification89824High
Chen et al. ()UNZhejiangComprehensive test2042043Middle
Gong et al. ()2016.09–2017.06ShandongMorphological identification7081125High
Lu et al. ()2015–2017ShanghaiMorphological identification6332045High
Xu et al. ()2017.03–10JiangsuComprehensive test3601284High
Zhang et al. ()UNZhejiangComprehensive test42422Middle
Lin et al. ()2016.01–2018.12FujianMorphological identification7632695High
Qiao et al. ()2015–2017ZhejiangComprehensive test1401083Middle
Yang et al. ()2016–2017FujianMorphological identification264864High
Yang et al. ()2016–2017JiangsuMorphological identification3491544High
Yang et al. ()2016–2017ShandongMorphological identification336854High
Yang et al. ()2016–2017ShanghaiMorphological identification192674High
Yang et al. ()2016–2017ZhejiangMorphological identification4381554High
Zhang et al. ()2018JiangsuMorphological identification119783Middle
Northern China
Zhang ()2001.10–2002.4.17HebeiMorphological identification607833Middle
Bi and Zhang ()2017HebeiUN246714High
Ma et al. ()2018BeijingUN2003Middle
Yang et al. ()2016–2017HebeiMorphological identification338434High
Northeastern China
Cai and An ()1990–1991LiaoningMorphological identification4741264High
Zhang et al. ()UNLiaoningMorphological identification7772212Middle
Bao and Shi ()2011.03–09LiaoningMorphological identification4131825High
Du and Zhou ()2018.03–10LiaoningMorphological identification193355High
Geng et al. ()2016–2017LiaoningComprehensive test222704High
Yang et al. ()2016–2017LiaoningMorphological identification321904High
South China
Sun et al. ()1985.3–1985.7HongKongMorphological identification4552493Middle
Liao et al. ()1999.05–06GuangdongMorphological identification70113Middle
Liu et al. ()UNGuangdongMorphological identification322172Middle
Ruan et al. ()2004–2008GuangxiMorphological identification86125High
Huang ()2010.04–11GuangdongComprehensive test4102264High
Chen et al. ()2013.02–12GuangdongMorphological identification3821815High
Zhao et al. ()2013.12.8–11GuangdongComprehensive test211384High
Yang et al. ()2016–2017GuangxiMorphological identification184154High

Studies included in the analysis.

*

UN, unclear.

Detection methods*: Comprehensive test: Morphological identification, PCR.

Pooling and Heterogeneity Analysis

A total of 40 studies involving 14,015 fish were included in this meta-analysis. However, high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%, P < 0.001) in the selected studies was observed (Table 4, Figure 2). Hence, a random effects model was adopted for the analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China was 45.5% (95% CI: 37.8–53.3) (Table 4). The included studies covered a variety of fish species, and the prevalence of anisakid nematodes ranged from 0 to 100% (Table 5).

Table 4

No.
studies
No.
tested
No.
positive
% (95% CI*)HeterogeneityUnivariate meta-regression
χ2P-valueI2 (%)P-valueCoefficient (95% CI)R2*
Region*15.63%
Eastern China298,2843,49355.3 (45.2–65.2)2,382.700.0098.8<0.0010.330 (0.186–0.474)
Northern China41,21119713.9 (6.8–22.9)36.84<0.0191.9
Northeastern China62,40072429.3 (23.3–35.7)54.49<0.0190.8
Southern China82,12074925.1 (10.9–42.8)516.20<0.0198.6
Sampling years0.05%
Before 200151,81463532.9 (21.4–45.5)118.69<0.0197.8
2001–2011123,8921,71251.0 (36.1–65.8)977.25<0.0198.90.0400.146 (0.007–0.286)
After 2011197,4852,39637.3 (29.6–45.3)802.33<0.0196.6
Site of infection0.00%
Muscle3635587.8 (0.0–37.6)143.79<0.0198.6
Others102,7871,28541.5 (24.0–60.1)952.84<0.0199.00.0460.411 (0.007–0.81.4)
Season*9.86%
Autumn71,43054960.9 (39.2–80.7)282.37<0.0197.9
Spring71,67782979.9 (58.2–95.2)412.66<0.0198.5
Summer375722278.0 (16.2–100.0)102.75<0.0198.1
Winter430312681.8 (23.7–100.0)221.81<0.0198.60.166−0.198 (−0.479–0.082)
Sea*11.21%
Bohai sea21,02026527.5 (4.4–60.6)118.12<0.0199.20.084−0.395 (−0.842–0.053)
East China sea82,4021,36176.8 (56.5–92.1)747.42<0.0199.1
South China sea370727627.8 (5.8–58.0)117.49<0.0198.3
Yellow sea437025971.4 (32.5–97.6)174.82<0.0198.3
Fish status28.90%
Fresh fish165,9732,43558.1 (43.6–72.0)1,769.920.0099.20.0030.383 (0.130–0.636)
Frozen fish2205285.9 (0.0–30.9)13.83<0.0192.8
Live fish51,53050329.2 (12.5–49.4)242.38<0.0198.3
Quality level8.00%
High2610,8893,85138.0 (31.4–44.9)1,913.33<0.0199.3
Middle143,1261,31259.9 (37.6–80.2)1,302.760.0098.10.0090.219 (0.054–0.385)
Total4014,0155,16345.5 (37.8–53.3)3,282.180.0098.8

Pooled prevalence of anisakid nematodes in China.

CI

*

, Confidence interval.

Region*

: Eastern China: Fujian, Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanghai, Zhejiang; Northern China: Beijing, Hebei; Northeastern China: Liaoning; Southern China: Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan.

R2, Proportion of between-study variance explained by joint test with provinces as a covariate.

Part*: Other: Body cavity, gonad, various tissues, and organs.

Season*

: Spring: March–May; Summer: June–August; Autumn: September–November; Winter: December–January.

Figure 2

Table 5

Fish categoryNo. studiesNo. testedNo. positive% Prevalence% (95% CI)
Ablennes hians14300.00.0–4.0
Abudefduf septemfasciatus21600.00.0–11.6
Acanthocepola limbata2341956.138.2–73.3
Acanthogobius flavimanus1211885.766.9–98.0
Acanthopagrus australis1400.00.0–38.9
Acanthopagrus latus5631011.22.2–23.8
Acanthopagrus schlegelii4662135.22.0–79.1
Aciusthalassiaus1171164.740.2–86.0
Albiflora croaker131619.47.1–35.4
Alectis ciliaris111100.00.0–100.0
Alepes melanopterus12150.00.0–100.0
Anguilla japonica1100.00.0–100.0
Anguillidae332823.38.6–41.4
Anoplopoma fimbria21927.00.0–36.2
Apogon carinatus13266.75.9–100.0
Apogon ellioti12150.00.0–100.0
Apogon semilineatus16116.70.0–58.6
Apteronotus albifrons1700.00.0–23.2
Argyrosomus argentatus18112.50.0–46.2
Argyrosomus macrocephalus133100.050.0–100.0
Aristichthys nobilis35034.90.0–22.0
Astroconger myriaster2672537.526.0–49.4
Atule mate13266.75.9–100.0
Bembras japonicus17342.98.1–81.4
Blotchy rock cod1100.00.0–100.0
Branchiostegus albus14125.00.0–79.3
Branchiostegus argentatus4261040.55.0–81.5
Branchiostegus japonicus1900.00.0–18.3
Branchiostegus wardi15360.013.8–98.2
Brotula barbata110110.00.0–38.1
Calliurichthysjaponicus111100.00.0–100.0
Caranx malabaricus122100.030.3–100.0
Carassius auratus1732838.427.5–49.8
Centroberyx lineatus122100.030.3–100.0
Chaetodontidae butterflyfish17228.61.0–68.2
Channa argus1100.00.0–100.0
Chelidonichthys kumu314754.418.4–88.5
Choerodon azurio14250.03.0–97.1
Chorinemus moadetta15120.00.0–67.5
Cirrhinus molitorella222216.30.0–96.7
Claris fuscus Lacepede13133.30.0–94.1
Cleisthenes herzensteini2241250.028.3–71.6
Cleisthenes pinetorum1100.00.0–100.0
Clupanodon punctatus18675.038.5–99.2
Clupea pallasi322945.40.0–100.0
Cociella crocodilus25486.221.3–100.0
Coilia ectenes226830.713.7–50.6
Coilia mystus28835.90.0–34.3
Collichthys lucidus216315.40.0–48.4
Collichthys niveatus51256753.744.6–62.6
Cololabis saira4752225.64.3–54.8
Conger myriaster1204204100.099.2–100.0
Cynoglossus joyneri11400.00.0–11.9
Cynoglossus robustus8101202.30.0–23.0
Cynoglossus semilaevis1900.00.0–18.3
Dasyatis akajei1400.00.0–38.9
Decapterus maruadsi71225557.812.2–95.1
Dentex tumifrons529733.10.0–84.6
Ditrema temmincki52577911.00.0–39.3
Echeneis naucrates133100.050.0–100.0
Enedrias fangi wang&wang12150.00.0–100.0
Engraulis japonicus21922911.53.6–21.9
Epinehelus moara421437.40.0–100.0
Epinephelus319410.50.0–51.2
Epinephelus amblycephalus133100.050.0–100.0
Epinephelus areolatus25360.310.3–99.7
Epinephelus awoara413332.70.0–99.0
Epinephelus chlorostigma111100.00.0–100.0
Epinephelus epistictus111100.00.0–100.0
Epinephelus fasciatus13266.75.9–100.0
Epinephelussp142511.93.6–23.7
Eupleurogrammus muticus122100.030.3–100.0
Formio niger310215.20.0–50.2
Fuscous spinefoot1100.00.0–100.0
Gadus11200.00.0–13.9
Gadus morhua3332675.45.1–100
Germs acinaces15360.013.8–98.2
Gerreomorpha jaρonica111100.00.0–100.0
Girella punctata240819.47.5–34.6
Gymnocorymbus ternetzi1242083.365.4–96.0
Harengula zunasi234541.8%0.0–100.0
Harpadon nehereus81525240.214.6–68.6
Hemirhamphus sajori1362980.665.8–92.1
Hemisalanx prognathus21700.00.0–1.8
Hexagrammos otakii11253931.223.4–39.6
Hoplobrotula armata111100.00.0–100.0
Hypomesus olidus28321.80.0–6.5
Ilisha elongata10751516.06.6–27.5
Inimicus japonicus1200.00.0–69.7
Japanese Spanish mackerel1200.00.0%−69.7
Johnius belengerii1121083.356.1–99.6
Johnius grypotus211235.90.0–100.0
Kaiwarinus equula13266.75.9–100.0
Katsuwonus pelamis1200.00.0–69.7
Konosirus punctatus1751317.39.5–26.8
Larimichthys13412.90.0–12.2
Larimichthys crocea135564911.31.6–25.9
Larimichthys polyactis211,49270558.042.7–72.5
Lateolabrax japonicus111182617.40.3–45.2
Lepidotrigla microptera3281664.126.7–93.5
Lepidotrigla micropterus144100.061.2–100.0
Lepturacanthus savala18337.56.7–74.1
Lophiiformes12000.00.0–8.4
Lophius litulon7827999.591.5–100.0
Lutjanus argentimaculatus21300.00.0–10.3
Lutjanus erythropterus3141317.70.2–46.8
Lutjanus fulviflamma1500.00.0–31.7
Lutjanus fulvus16583.341.4–100.0
Lutjanus lutjanus199100.081.7–100.0
Lutjanus ophuysenii17685.748.3–100.0
Lutjanus russellii17114.30.0–51.7
Megalaspis cordyla31925.10.0–20.2
Mene maculata3181487.832.8–100.0
Miichthys miiuy101053637.517.8–59.1
Monopterus albus1100.00.0–100.0
Mugil cephalus319519.30.0–92.2
Mullidae subvittatus166100.073.2–100.0
Muraenesox cinereus1015212076.451.5–91.3
Mustelusmanazo1500.00.0–31.7
Navodon modestus14250.03.0–97.1
Nemipterus bathybius11212100.086.1–100.0
Nemipterus japonicus11410100.083.5–100.0
Nemipterus virgatus6683037.50.0–96.1
Neτnipterus tolu111100.00.0–100.0
Nibea albiflora81152527.64.4–57.7
Oncorhynchus410100.00.0–2.1
Oncorhynchus keta12500.00.0–6.8
Oncorhynchus mykiss1200.00.0–69.7
Ophiocephalus argus12020100.091.6–100.0
Oreochromis2200.00.0–78.7
Pagrosomus major67734667.930.1–70.0
Pagrus major1100.00.0–100.0
Pampus argenteus912494.40.0–15.8
Pangsius suthi1400.00.0–38.9
Paralichthys lethostigma217528.77.9–54.3
Paralichthys olivaceus71832921.73.7–45.9
Parapercis cylindrica110220.00.5–51.3
Parapristipoma trilineatum11100.00.0–15.1
Parargyrops edita1171482.460.0–97.4
Parastromateus niger1100.00.0–100.0
Parupeneus chrysopleuron19444.413.0–78.1
Pelates quadrilineatus1321650.032.6–67.4
Pennahia argentata91196856.624.6–86.2
Pentapus setosus13133.30.0–94.1
Perca fluviatilis513530.00.0–1.7
Perea flavescens13266.75.9–100.0
Periophthalmus cantonensis11600.00.0–10.5
Platichthys bicoloratus116743.820.1–68.9
Platycephalus indicus3542839.10.0–97.7
Plectorhinchus cinctus432513.52.2–29.5
Plectorhinchus nigrus1600.00.0–26.8
Plectorhynchispictus16583.341.4–100.0
Plectorhynchus cinctus3782628.816.3–42.7
Pleuronectiformes159711.94.7–21.5
Pleuronichthys cornutus11000.00.0–16.5
Pneumatophorus japonicus2458348275.861.0–88.3
Pogonoperca punctata112325.03.9–53.9
Pomfret115510.70.0–2.8
Priacanthus boops111100.00.0–100.0
Priacanthus cruentatus27577.327.9–100.0
Priacanthus macracanthus29327.90.0–100.0
Priacanthus tayenus5241670.49.3–100.0
Pristigenys niphonia14375.020.8–100.0
Pristipomoides typus17571.431.8–99.0
Prognichthys agoo110770.037.5–95.0
Psenopsis anomala21927.50.0–44.8
Pseudopriacanthus niphonius15360.013.8–98.2
Pseudorhombus arsius111100.00.0–100.0
Pseudorhombus cinnamoneus18585100.098.0–100.0
Pseudosciaena polyactis2202095.172.1–100.0
Rachycentron canadum24250.00.0–100.0
Raja hollandi1500.00.0–31.7
Raja porosa332715.40.0–62.7
Rastrelliger kanagurta2151076.35.8–100.0
Rock fish1800.00.0–20.4
Sardine47220.90.0–9.7
Saurida elongata2362878.262.6–90.9
Saurida filamentosa122100.030.3–100.0
Scatophagus argus32111.00.0–14.8
Sciaenidae260914.96.6–25.4
Sciaenops ocellatus1181688.969.4–99.8
Scolopsis taeniopterus111100.00.0–100.0
Scolopsis trilineata14125.00.0–79.3
Scolopsis vosmeri19111.10.0–41.8
Scomber australasicus144100.061.2–100.0
Scomber japonicus1201365.042.5–84.7
Scomberomorus commerson110220.00.5–51.3
Scomberomorus guttatus14125.00.0–79.3
Scomberomorus niphonius1946821436.922.9–51.9
Scophthalmus maximus610120.00.0–0.0
Sea catfish1400.00.0–38.9
Sebastiscus marmoratus3882427.16.9–52.9
Sebastodes fuscescens2221996.074.0–100.0
Secutor insidiator12150.00.0–100.0
Secutor ruconius13133.30.0–94.1
Selaroides leptolepis122100.030.3–100.0
Seriola lalandi1400.00.0–38.9
Setipinna tenuifilis31042022.50.0–71.1
Siganus argenteus1300.00.0–50.0
Siganus fuscescens34743.50.0–14.1
Sillagojaponica15240.01.9–86.2
Soleidae11200.00.0–13.9
Sphyraena pingais25370.01.4–100.0
Sphyraena pinguis1500.00.0–31.7
Sphyraenus3532647.80.0–100.0
Stingray1100.00.0–100.0
Stromateoides argenteus13600.00.0–4.7
Stromateus13266.75.9–100.0
Synanceia verrucosa1400.00.0–38.9
Taius tumifrons1242187.570.7–98.3
Talismania longifilis1400.00.0–38.9
Tenualosa reevesii42400.00.0–4.5
Terapon jarbua111218.20.5–47.4
Thamnaconus modestus43136.70.0–21.1
Thamnaconus septentrionalis1600.00.0–26.8
Therapon oxyrhynchus125312.01.7–28.2
Therapon theraps22928.10.0–27.6
Thunnus alalunga43667.50.0–38.1
Trachinocephalus myops177100.076.8–100.0
Trachinotus blochii12150.00.0–100.0
Trachinotus ovatus1314810.00.0–1.0
Trachurus japonicus71088581.055.8–98.3
Triaenopogon barbatus111100.00.0–100.0
Trichiurus haumela210910394.789.4–98.4
Trichiurus lepturus251,63184069.857.1–87.3
Tridentiger trigonoephalus120210.00.2–27.8
Trisotropis dermopterus111100.00.0–100.0
Tuna Rubrum1500.00.0–31.7
Tylosurus anastomella14125.00.0–79.3
Tylosurus melanotus121838.118.3–60.0
Upeneus luzonius12150.00.0–100.0
Upeneus moluccensis122100.030.3–100.0
Upeneus sulphureus214860.324.7–91.8
Uranoscopus japonicus17685.748.3–100.0
Zebrias zebra1100.00.0–100.0
Zoarces slongatus1200.00.0–69.7
Zoarcidae12229.10.2–25.5
Zuta jifish123313.01.8–30.5

Estimated pooled prevalence in different species of fish.

In the subgroup analysis, a random effect model was selected due to the fact that significant heterogeneity was observed (Table 4). The subgroup analysis based on geographical areas suggested that eastern China had the highest prevalence rate (55.3%, 95% CI: 45.2–65.2), and fish in East China Sea showed the highest point estimate of prevalence of anisakid nematodes (76.8%, 95% CI: 56.5–92.1). At the single province level, Zhejiang Province had the highest rate of 75.3% (1,398/2,338; 95% CI: 57.6–89.5) (Table 6). No anisakid nematodes were found in fish in Beijing City (Table 6, Figure 3).

Table 6

ProvinceNo. studiesRegionNo. testedNo. positive% Prevalence% (95% CI)
Beijing1Northern China2000.00.0–8.4
Fujian4Eastern China1,99672335.020.5–51.0
Guangdong5Southern China1,12034729.68.4–57.0
Guangxi2Southern China2702710.45.3–16.7
Hainan1Southern China27512645.840.0–51.7
Hebei3Northern China1,19119717.810.0–27.2
Jiangsu4Eastern China86839255.339.6–70.5
Liaoning6Northeastern China2,40072429.323.3–35.7
Shandong8Eastern China1,83965450.426.5–74.2
Shanghai3Eastern China1,24332626.013.0–41.5
Zhejiang10Eastern China2,3381,39875.357.6–89.5
Total4713,5604,91442.735.5–50.1

Estimated pooled prevalence of anisakid nematodes by provinces in China.

Figure 3

The subgroup analysis by sampling years demonstrated that the infection rate was higher during 2000–2011 (51.0%, 95% CI: 36.1–65.8) than other periods. Compared with other seasons, autumn had the lowest prevalence rate (60.9%, 95% CI: 39.2–80.7) (Table 4).

Analysis of study quality indicated that the middle-quality studies reported the highest prevalence rate (59.9%, 95% CI: 37.6–80.2). The detection rate of anisakid nematodes in muscle was lower (7.8%, 95% CI: 0.0–37.6) than in other fish organs. The meta-regression analysis showed that the heterogeneity can be explained by the province ranges from 0.00 to 31.93% after joint analysis with province (Table 4).

We also evaluated the impact of geographical and climatic parameters on prevalence and calculated the latitude range (30–35°; 68.6%, 95% CI: 51.9–83.1), the longitude range (>120°; 61.4%, 95% CI: 47.8–74.2), and altitude (<100; 54.1%, 95% CI: 42.5–65.5). Compared with other groups, the prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in these geographic ranges was significantly higher (P < 0.05), which may account for the heterogeneity (Table 7).

Table 7

No.
studies
No.
tested
No.
positive
% (95% CI*)HeterogeneityUnivariate meta-regression
χ2P-valueI2 (%)P-valueCoefficient (95% CI)R2
North latitude0.00%
    30 less71,02436827.6 (12.3–46.1)186.47<0.0196.8
    30–35112,7901,46168.6 (51.9–83.1)785.44<0.0198.70.0010.344 (0.148–0.54.1)
    35 more133,7591,16137.9 (24.4–52.3)909.56<0.0198.7
East longitude0.00%
    110 less3861226.5 (0.0–87.9)66.87<0.0197.0
    110–120192,22064824.2 (14.9–34.9)222.26<0.0196.4
    120 more195,2672,33061.4 (47.8–74.2)1,759.660.0099.00.0000.387 (0.184–0.590)
Altitude (0.1 m)0.00%
    100 less112,6171,13254.1 (42.5–65.5)341.52<0.0197.1
    100–500132,6721,19251.8 (30.5–72.9)1,391.70<0.0199.1
    500 more71,85366631.7 (17.3–48.1)273.50<0.0197.80.075−0.218 (−0.458–0.022)
Average rainfall (mm)0.00%
    1,000 less123,1691,06547.9 (31.7–64.2)911.73<0.0198.8
    1,000–1,50071,46777440.1 (23.8–57.7)246.71<0.0197.60.4920.070 (−0.129–0.268)
    1,500 more61,58257139.2 (26.7–52.4)113.34<0.0195.6
Average humidity (%)0.00%
    70 less92,72577930.3 (16.3–46.4)567.47<0.0198.60.067−0.177 (−0.368–0.013)
    70–80143,2091,45947.4 (35.0–60.0)637.65<0.0198.0
    80 more561628548.5 (27.8–69.5)90.46<0.0195.6
Average temperature (°C)0.00%
    15 less122,98294038.6 (22.9–55.7)908.08<0.0198.8
    15–2092,5441,21556.6 (45.1–67.8)259.81<0.0196.90.0240.223 (0.028–0.417)
    20 more71,02436827.6 (12.3–46.1)186.47<0.0196.8
Maximum temperature (°C)0.00%
    20 less132,44572742.3 (26.8–58.6)951.43<0.0198.7
    20–2582,3901,12653.1 (40.6–65.4)256.78<0.0197.3
    25 more71,02436827.6 (12.3–46.1)186.47<0.0196.80.094−0.191 (−0.415 to 0.032)
Lowest temperature (°C)0.00%
    10 less81,68752237.2 (16.8–60.3)494.61<0.0198.8
    10–15143,2061,42952.7 (38.6–66.5)747.62<0.0198.40.0350.201 (0.014–0.389)
    15 more81,65757227.7 (15.9–41.2)187.32<0.0198.3

Pooled prevalence of geographical factors.

Publication Bias and Sensitivity Analysis

The funnel plot was asymmetric, suggesting that the included studies might have publication bias or small-study effect bias (Figure 4). Meanwhile, the trim and fill analysis showed six studies with negative results (white circles in Figure 5), indicating that there was potential publication bias in the present study. Additionally, Egger's test suggested that there might be publication bias among the studies selected for our analysis (P < 0.05) (Supplementary Table 4, Figure 6). We also used funnel plots (Supplementary Figures 19) and forest plots (Supplementary Figures 1016) for all subgroups to test for the presence of publication bias and heterogeneity. However, the sensitivity analysis showed that the pooled data were basically the same after omitting one study at a time, indicating that our results were statistically robust (Figure 7).

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Discussion

Human anisakiasis is caused by consumption of raw or poorly cooked fish parasitized by anisakid nematodes (, ). Hence, detailed knowledge of the epidemiological status of anisakid nematodes in fish is central for the prevention and control of human anisakiasis. Our meta-analysis revealed that the pooled estimate of Anisakidae larvae prevalence among fish in China was 45.5%, and the prevalence varied by sea areas. East China Sea and Yellow Sea had high prevalence. Fish species may contribute to such high prevalence, such as hairtail (Trichiurus haumela), chub mackerel (Pneumatophorus japonicus), yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena polyactis) and whitespotted conger (Conger myriaster) in East China Sea, and chub mackerel (P. japonicus) in Yellow Sea. Several previous studies showed that they were highly infected species (, ). Additionally, the relationship between the lowest prevalence in Bohai Sea and fish species needs to be further studied, because only two studies were included for analysis, and one did not disclose the 23 fish species which were tested negative for anisakid nematodes (). A previous investigation using fish collected from three sea areas of the Republic of Korea also showed that the infection rate was higher in East Sea than that in Yellow Sea (). However, fish from South Sea, Republic of Korea had higher prevalence rate than that from South China Sea (). This may be due to the fact that fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) and Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegeli) from South Sea with high infection rate were not included in fish species sampled from South China Sea (). In addition to fish species, differences in prevalence may be associated with fishing grounds (). For example, previous studies demonstrated that the distribution of Anisakis spp. and the infection levels in the same fish species varied among different fishing grounds (, ).

Among five provinces within eastern China, Zhejiang province had the highest prevalence. This may be due to the fish species, such as hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) and yellow croaker (Larimichthys polyactis) which were reported to be highly infected species of marine fish (). Previous studies showed that the high incidence of anisakidosis was significantly associated with living on the coast, where the habit of consuming raw fish is higher compared to inland regions (, ). Considering that consumption of raw or undercooked fish is a common practice in the coastal areas of China, there should be some potential cases of anisakiasis in eastern China, especially in Zhejiang province (, ). However, no cases of human infection by anisakid nematodes have been reported in eastern China. To date, only one case of anisakiasis has been reported in other areas of China (). This may be due to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis (). Infection by anisakid nematodes should be considered in patients who had a history of ingestion of raw fish with associated symptoms, such as vomiting and frequent mucous diarrhea ().

The method of examining fish for anisakid infection include routine visual inspection, digesting the fish filet using a pepsin/HCl solution, and incubation of internal organs (). In all of the included studies, prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China was determined by routine visual inspection. Additional species identification using PCR method was performed only in several studies. Hence, detection method as the risk factor was not included.

China released the National Agricultural and Rural Economic Development in the Tenth Five-Year Plan implemented from June 2001 (2001–2005). Of which, speeding up the development of the aquaculture industry was included. Meanwhile, establishing and perfecting a system for monitoring the safety and quality of aquatic products was mentioned. Hence, 2001 was used to be a first cut-off point for subgroup analysis. The 12th Five-Year Plan on Fishery Development and the 13th Five-Year Plan on Fishery Development were released in June 2011 and December 2016, respectively, each gives a higher priority for epidemic prevention and control of aquatic animals as well as safety and quality of aquatic products than before. Thus, we chose 2011 as the cut-off point to analyze the prevalence of anisakid nematodes. It is worth noting that we found 19 studies published after 2011, but only 5 studies before 2001. Hence, we speculated that the pooled estimates after 2011 was more likely to reflect prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China.

Additionally, the rareness of anisakiasis in China may be associated with anisakid nematode species. Previous studies showed that the majority of human cases of anisakiasis were caused by Anisakis simplex, Anisakis pegreffii, and Pseudoterranova decipiens (, , ). However, A. simplex and A. pegreffii were reported only in 12 and 11 articles, respectively. The PCR approach proved to be cost-effective and reliable for the identification of the species of the genus Anisakis (). However, PCR approach was not used in all studies related to species identification, which may lead to species misidentification. Moreover, only one article reported the presence of P. decipiens in fish in China.

Parasites were detected in muscle, intestine, mesentery and gonads. Although the point estimate of anisakid nematodes in muscle was low, larval migration to the muscles may occur after the death of the fish, which can increase the risk of anisakiasis (, ). Moreover, the differences between the two sibling species (A. simplex and A. pegreffii) in migration to the muscles of fish and to penetrate into the tissue of accidental hosts were found in several studies (, , ). From the perspective of food safety, further studies are needed to reveal the species composition of Anisakis and their geographical distribution in China.

The included studies covered a variety of fish species, and the prevalence of anisakid nematodes ranged from 0 to 100%. The results can serve as a guideline associated with food safety. Yellow goosefish (Lophius litulon) is a commercially important marine fish, and its stomach, intestine and liver are considered to be a delicacy in China (). Also, cinnamon flounder (Pseudorhombus cinnamoneus) is a frequently consumed marine fish in China (). Our analysis showed that L. litulon and P. cinnamoneus had a high prevalence, respectively. The high prevalence may be due to the fact that they eat crustaceans and small fishes, which are intermediate or paratenic hosts of anisakid nematodes (, , ). Additionally, several fish species, such as banded sergeant (Abudefduf septemfasciatus), sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), and skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) tested negative for anisakid nematodes. This may be due to the small sample size for each of these fish species, because infection of K. pelamis by Anisakis larvae has been reported (). Hence, further studies employing a larger number of sampled fish are needed to determine the prevalence in several fish species.

The advantages of the present study include the wide coverage, large total sample size, valid analysis method, large time span, and a comprehensive risk factor analysis. This is the first meta-analysis of the prevalence of anisakid nematodes in China. In the present study, most of the articles of medium quality reached the score of three. In addition, four or more potential risk factors were explored in the majority of articles. We believe that the study can reflect the prevalence of anisakid nematodes in fish in China during the last two decades. However, there are some limitations in this meta-analysis as follows: (i) five databases were used to identify publications, which may exclude some qualified articles from other databases; (ii) parts of the subgroups (such as sites of infection) have included fewer articles, which may lead to unstable results; (iii) this study was not registered in Cochrane, however, our meta-analysis was carried out strictly in accordance with the steps of PRISMA; and (iv) the range of environmental temperatures in the sea area where fish live is quite different from that of the land area, and analysis based on different regions of land areas may only serve as a reference. It is suggested that the researchers should clarify the sampling locations and fishing sites (such as the latitude and longitude of the specific sea area), which can contribute to the assessment of the environmental factor.

Conclusion

This study has shown that anisakid infection in fish was widespread in China, and the pooled prevalence varied among different fish species and provinces. Region, site of infection, fish status and quality level were the main factors affecting the prevalence rate. There is a need for continuous monitoring of anisakid infection in fish in China. Meanwhile, it is necessary to educate people, especially those living in coastal regions, about the risk of infection with anisakid nematodes and to avoid consumption of raw or undercooked fish.

Funding

Project support was provided by the Fund for Shanxi 1331 Project (Grant No. 20211331-13), the Research Fund for Introduced High-level Leading Talents of Shanxi Province, the Special Research Fund of Shanxi Agricultural University for High-level Talents (Grant No. 2021XG001), and Yunnan Expert Workstation (Grant No. 202005AF150041).

Publisher's Note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Statements

Data availability statement

The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding authors.

Author contributions

Q-LG and JJ contributed to conception and design of this analysis. QL, QW, and J-YM collected the data and built the database. QW and Q-LG analyzed the results. QL prepared the manuscript. Q-LG and X-QZ revised the manuscript. All authors contributed to manuscript editing and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Supplementary material

The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.792346/full#supplementary-material

References

  • 1.

    MohandasNJabbarAPodolskaMZhuXQLittlewoodDTJexARet al. Mitochondrial genomes of Anisakis simplex and Contracaecum osculatum (sensu stricto)–comparisons with selected nematodes. Infect Genet Evol. (2014) 21:45262. 10.1016/j.meegid.2013.10.026

  • 2.

    CarrascosaMFMonesJCSalcines-CaviedesJRRománJG. A man with unsuspected marine eosinophilic gastritis. Lancet Infect Dis. (2015) 15:248. 10.1016/S1473-3099(14)70892-8

  • 3.

    LiuSSLiuGHZhuXQWengYB. The complete mitochondrial genome of Pseudoterranova Azarasi and comparative analysis with other anisakid nematodes. Infect Genet Evol. (2015) 33:2938. 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.05.018

  • 4.

    ZanelliMRagazziMFiorinoSForoniMCecinatoPDel Mar Jordana SanchezMet al. An Italian case of intestinal anisakiasis with a presurgical diagnosis: could this parasite represent an emerging disease?Pathol Res Pract. (2017) 213:55864. 10.1016/j.prp.2017.01.027

  • 5.

    KołodziejczykLSzostakowskaBSobeckaESzczuckiKStankiewiczK. First case of human anisakiasis in Poland. Parasitol Int. (2020) 76:102073. 10.1016/j.parint.2020.102073

  • 6.

    CaramelloPVitaliACantaFCaldanaASantiFCaputoAet al. Intestinal localization of anisakiasis manifested as acute abdomen. Clin Microbiol Infect. (2003) 9:7347. 10.1046/j.1469-0691.2003.00660.x

  • 7.

    NieuwenhuizenNE. Anisakis - immunology of a foodborne parasitosis. Parasite Immunol. (2016) 38:54857. 10.1111/pim.12349

  • 8.

    MitsuboshiAYamaguchiHItoYMizunoTTokoroMKasaiM. Extra-gastrointestinal anisakidosis caused by Pseudoterranova azarasi manifesting as strangulated inguinal hernia. Parasitol Int. (2017) 66:8102. 10.1016/j.parint.2017.09.008

  • 9.

    KochanowskiMGonzález-MuñozMGómez-MoralesGottsteinBDabrowskaJRózyckiMet al. Comparative analysis of excretory-secretory antigens of Anisakis simplex, Pseudoterranova decipiens and Contracaecum osculatum regarding their applicability for specific serodiagnosis of human anisakidosis based on IgG-ELISA. Exp Parasitol. (2019) 197:915. 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.12.004

  • 10.

    HochbergNSHamerDH. Anisakidosis: perils of the deep. Clin Infect Dis. (2010) 51:80612. 10.1086/656238

  • 11.

    MattiucciSNascettiG. Advances and trends in the molecular systematics of anisakid nematodes, with implications for their evolutionary ecology and host-parasite co-evolutionary processes. Adv Parasitol. (2008) 66:47148. 10.1016/S0065-308X(08)00202-9

  • 12.

    AnsharyHSriwulanFreemanMAOgawaK. Occurrence and molecular identification of Anisakis Dujardin, 1845 from marine fish in southern Makassar Strait, Indonesia. Korean J Parasitol. (2014) 52:919. 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.1.9

  • 13.

    ShamsiS. Recent advances in our knowledge of Australian anisakid nematodes. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl. (2014) 3:17887. 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.04.001

  • 14.

    GuardoneLArmaniANuceraDCostanzoFMattiucciSBruschiF. Human anisakiasis in Italy: a retrospective epidemiological study over two decades. Parasite. (2018) 25:41. 10.1051/parasite/2018034

  • 15.

    MattiucciSCiprianiPLevsenAPaolettiMNascettiG. Molecular epidemiology of Anisakis and anisakiasis: an ecological and evolutionary road map. Adv Parasitol. (2018) 99:93263. 10.1016/bs.apar.2017.12.001

  • 16.

    BaoMPierceGJStrachanNJPascualSGonzález-MuñozMLevsenA. Human health, legislative and socioeconomic issues caused by the fish-borne zoonotic parasite Anisakis: challenges in risk assessment. Trends Food Sci Tech. (2019) 86:298310. 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.02.013

  • 17.

    QinYZhaoYRenYZhengLDaiXLiYet al. Anisakiasis in China: the first clinical case report. Foodborne Pathog Dis. (2013) 10:4724. 10.1089/fpd.2012.1325

  • 18.

    MoherDLiberatiATetzlaffJAltman DG; PRISMAGroup. Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA Statement. PLoS Med. (2009) 6:e1000097. 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097

  • 19.

    GuyattGHOxmanADVistGEKunzRFalck-YtterYAlonso-CoelloPet al. GRADE: GRADE: an emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. BMJ. (2008) 336:9246. 10.1136/bmj.39489.470347.AD

  • 20.

    BalshemHHelfandMSchünemannHJOxmanADKunzRBrozekJet al. GRADE guidelines: 3. Rating the quality of evidence. J Clin Epidemiol. (2011) 64:4016. 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2010.07.015

  • 21.

    NiHBGongQLZhaoQLiXYZhangXX. Prevalence of Haemophilus parasuisGlaesserella parasuis” in pigs in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med. (2020) 182:105083. 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105083

  • 22.

    WeiXYGongQLZengAWangWWangQZhangXX. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats in China from 2010 to 2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prev Vet Med. (2021) 186:105230. 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105230

  • 23.

    BarendregtJJDoiSALeeYYNormanREVosT. Meta-analysis of prevalence. J Epidemiol Community Health. (2013) 67:9748. 10.1136/jech-2013-203104

  • 24.

    LiXNiHBRenWXJiangJGongQLZhangXX. Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in horses: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Trop. (2020) 201:105222. 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105222

  • 25.

    WangWGongQLZengALiMHZhaoQNiHB. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium in pigs in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transbound Emerg Dis. (2021) 68:140013. 10.1111/tbed.13806

  • 26.

    ZintzarasEIoannidisJP. Heterogeneity testing in meta-analysis of genome searches. Genet Epidemiol. (2005) 28:12337. 10.1002/gepi.20048

  • 27.

    GongQLWangQYangXYLiDLZhaoBGeGYet al. Seroprevalence and risk factors of the Bluetongue virus in cattle in China from 1988 to 2019: a comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci. (2021) 7:550381. 10.3389/fvets.2020.550381

  • 28.

    WangZDWangSCLiuHHMaHYLiZYWeiFet al. Prevalence and burden of Toxoplasma gondii infection in HIV-infected people: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet HIV. (2017) 4:e17788. 10.1016/S2352-3018(17)30005-X

  • 29.

    ZhouXF. Investigation of anisakis larvae infection in marine fish in Ningbo market. Parasit Infect Dis. (1998) 6:54.

  • 30.

    YeLPSunFXuGZSunYWChenZHLuFet al. Investigation on anisakis infection of East China Sea fish and study on the tolerance of larvae to Wasabi. China Trop Med. (2006) 6:13456.

  • 31.

    ZhangLPHuMShamsiSBeveridgeILiHMXuZet al. The specific identification of anisakid larvae from fishes from the yellow sea, China, using mutation scanning-coupled sequence analysis of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Mol Cell Probes. (2007) 21:38690. 10.1016/j.mcp.2007.05.004

  • 32.

    WangJYZhangJHLinQZhangQTHeWXLiKFet al. Infection and physico—chemical characteristics of Anisakis among marine fish caught in Zhoushan Fisher. Chin J Epidemiol. (2010) 30:10014. 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0254-6450.2010.09.010

  • 33.

    ZhangXPJiangSFHongGBFuYHHeYYMaXJet al. Investigation on food contamination with parasites in Shanghai market. Chin J Schistosom Control. (2012) 24:4049. 10.16250/j.32.1374.2012.04.006

  • 34.

    LiJGuoJNZhouJBShiWLiWWFangFet al. A preliminary investigation on the third stage larvae of heteromynchus japonicus infected with mackerel in the yellow sea. Chin J Food Hyg. (2013) 25:5661. 10.3969/j.issn.1673-7555.2010.13.125

  • 35.

    WenQ. Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Anisakidae Larvae From in Taiwan Strait and the Analysis of Infection Status. Shijiazhuang: Hebei Normal University (2013).

  • 36.

    ZhangZJZhangWBZhaoRMShenMXJiangWCJinFet al. Status of Clonorchis sinensis and nematoda in common fishes in Nantong city. Chin J Prevent Med. (2013) 47:669. 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-9624.2013.07.022

  • 37.

    LiaoFZhangBGLiuXChenXXFeiYK. Investigation on the infection of Isoapex nematode in aquatic products in yellow sea area of Shandong Province. Paras Infect Dis. (2014) 12:18990.

  • 38.

    KongQFanLZhangJAkaoNDongKLouDet al. Molecular identification of Anisakis and Hysterothylacium larvae in marine fishes from the East China sea and the Pacific coast of central Japan. Int J Food Microbiol. (2015) 199:17. 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2015.01.007

  • 39.

    LiXJShenYYBaiJChenLMZhouYShenCLet al. Investigation of anisakis larvae infection in marine fish entering and leaving the Zhoushan Port. Anim Husb Vet Med. (2016) 48:11922.

  • 40.

    LiLZhaoJYChenHXJuHDAnMXuZet al. Survey for the presence of ascaridoid larvae in the cinnamon flounder Pseudorhombus cinnamoneus (Temminck and Schlegel) (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae). Int J Food Microbiol. (2017) 241:10816. 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.10.018

  • 41.

    LinCXLinSHChenWWHuangSLJiangDW. Parasite pollution in aquatic products marketed in Fujian Province. Chin J Zoo. (2017) 33:5648. 10.3969/j.issn.1002-2694.2017.06.018

  • 42.

    YeBSunZQSongXYShiXXLiDDXiaoNet al. Investigation of anisakis larvae infection in commercial marine fish in Qingdao City, Shandong. J Med Pest Control. (2017) 33:9856. 10.7629/yxdwfz201709024

  • 43.

    ZhangQWRenXTZhaoYQGaiXXZhangYMBaiXL. Investigation of Anisakis spp. larva infection in marine fish for sale in Yantai City. Chin J Parasitol Parasit Dis. (2017) 35:4727.

  • 44.

    ZhouJYLinQZhangHZhangJHGuZX. Investigation and molecular identification of anisakis infection in marine fishes in Zhoushan fishing ground. Prevent Med. (2017) 29:694701. 10.19485/j.cnki.issn1007-0931.2017.07.010

  • 45.

    ChenHXZhangLPGibsonDILvLXuZLiHTet al. Detection of ascaridoid nematode parasitesin the important marine food-fish Congermyriaster (Brevoort) (Anguilliformes:Congridae) from the Zhoushan Fishery, China. Parasit Vect. (2018) 11:274. 10.1186/s13071-018-2850-4

  • 46.

    GongCBWangZXDongFGXingYFSunYL. Infection status of third stage larvae of heteronema in 140 fresh marine fish sold in Yantai from 2016 to 2017. Mod Prevent Med. (2018) 45:17668.

  • 47.

    LuLJiangSFHeYYZhangXPMaXJHanYJet al. Investigation on parasite infection of animal food sold in Huangpu district, Shanghai from 2015 to 2017. J Trop Dis Parasitol. (2018) 16:235. 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2018.01.007

  • 48.

    XuYZengQYSunZHZhangLXWangNLiuXLet al. Preliminary investigation on the infection of anemone elegans in sea fish in Lianyungang. Chin J Vet Sci. (2018) 38:23437. 10.16303/j.cnki.1005-4545.2018.12.20

  • 49.

    ZhangKXuZChenHXGuoNLiL. Anisakid and raphidascaridid nematodes (Ascaridoidea) infection in the important marine food-fish Lophius litulon (Jordan) (Lophiiformes: Lophiidae). Int J Food Microbiol. (2018) 284:10511. 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.08.002

  • 50.

    LinCXHuangSLLinSHJiangDWXieHG. Investigation on the infection of anisoderma larvae and identification of the species in Fujian coastal fishes. Chin J Parasitol Parasit Dis. (2019) 37:41721. 10.12140/j.issn.1000-7423.2019.04.008

  • 51.

    QiaoYZhouQJLiXJMiaoLChengT. The establishment of a method for detecting simple Anisakis/Anisakis spp. with loop-mediated isothermal amplification and lateral flow test strips. Oceanol Limnol Sin. (2019) 50:32435. 10.11693/hyhz20180800207

  • 52.

    YangSRPeiXYLiYZhanLTangZChenWWet al. Epidemical study of third stage larvae of anisakis spp. infection in marine fishes in china from 2016 to 2017. Food Control. (2019) 107:106769. 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106769

  • 53.

    ZhangXYYuMZhaoQQWangYSunBC. Investigation of Anisakis infection in marine fishes in Dongtai City. Chin J Schistosom Control. (2020) 32:42640. 10.16250/j.32.1374.2019267

  • 54.

    ZhangL. Preliminary investigation on the infection of simple anisakis larvae in Bohai fish. J Cangzhou Norm Univer. (2002) 18:417.

  • 55.

    BiHJZhangYM. Results of risk monitoring of food microorganisms and their pathogenic factors in Cangzhou City in 2017. Occup Health. (2018) 34:191720. 10.13329/j.cnki.zyyjk.2018.0532

  • 56.

    MaXMWangJJXiaoGYZhaoJLiJ. Analysis of monitoring results of pathogenic microorganisms of animal aquatic products in fengtai district, Beijing. Chin J Health Lab Technol. (2019) 29:2798801.

  • 57.

    CaiZXAnSR. Investigation on the transmission vector of Anisakis disease. Chin J Public Health. (1993) 11:2845.

  • 58.

    ZhangBXGeLMChenFYSunYHZhangMYuYLet al. A preliminary study on the ecological distribution of anisakis in marine fish. Chin J Microecol. (1995) 7:535.

  • 59.

    BaoMShiKS. Investigation on anisakis nematode infections in sea fishes sold in Jinzhou City. Chin J Zoo. (2012) 28:5136. 10.3969/j.issn.1002-2694.2012.05.027

  • 60.

    DuXTZhouQY. Infection of the third stage larvae of heteronema in some sea fishes in Dandong City. China Trop Med. (2019) 19:402. 10.13604/j.cnki.46-1064/r.2019.01.11

  • 61.

    GengYZLiFWangWJZhangMM. Investigation and molecular identification of anisakis infection in marine fish in Liaoning Province. Chin J Food Hyg. (2019) 31:103. 10.13590/j.cjfh.2019.01.003

  • 62.

    SunSZKoyamaTKageiN. Anisakidae larvae found in marine fishes and squids from the Gulf of Tongking, the east China sea and the yellow sea. Jpn J Med Sci Biol. (1991) 44:99. 10.7883/yoken1952.44.99

  • 63.

    LiaoYMLiDLZhangXL. An investigation on the infection of the larvae of Heteromynchus spp. in the coastal waters of Nan'ao Town, Shenzhen. South China J Prevent Med. (2000) 26:467.

  • 64.

    LiuJSWuSQChenHHLinRQWeiDXDengYet al. Investigation of anisakis larvae infection in marine fish in Daya Bay. China Anim Livest Vet Med. (2005) 24:39. 10.3969/j.issn.1005-944X.2005.07.024

  • 65.

    RuanYQZhangHMTanYGHuangFMLinROuYYet al. Preliminary investigation on the infection of Marine fish with echinodiasis in Guangxi. Appl Prevent Med. (2008) 14:1478. 10.3969/j.issn.1673-758X.2008.03.008

  • 66.

    HuangGP. Molecular Identification and Genetic Relationship Analysis of the Larvae of Parasitic Heterophyllus Nematode in the Order Perciformes in the Southern China Sea. Shijiazhuang: Hebei Normal University (2013).

  • 67.

    ChenJHXuZXXuGXHuangJYChenHHShiSZet al. Survey of simple anisakis larvae infection in marine fish in Shantou. Chin J Parasitol Parasit Dis. (2014) 32:2126.

  • 68.

    ZhaoWTLvLChenHXYangYZhangLPLiL. Ascaridoid parasites infecting in the frequently consumed marine fishes in the coastal area of China: a preliminary investigation. Parasitol Int. (2016) 65:8798. 10.1016/j.parint.2015.11.002

  • 69.

    ZuloagaJRodríguez-BobadaCCorcueraMTGrmez-AguadoFGonzálezPRodríguez-PerezRet al. A rat model of intragastric infection with Anisakis spp. live larvae: histopathological study. Parasitol Res. (2013) 112:240911. 10.1007/s00436-013-3359-6

  • 70.

    BaronLBrancaGTrombettaCPunzoEQuartoFSpecialeGet al. Intestinal anisakidosis: histopathological findings and differential diagnosis. Pathol Res Pract. (2014) 210:74650. 10.1016/j.prp.2014.06.022

  • 71.

    ChoSHLeeSEParkOHNaBKSohnWM. Larval anisakid infections in marine fish from three sea areas of the Republic of Korea. Korean J Parasitol. (2012) 50:2959. 10.3347/kjp.2012.50.4.295

  • 72.

    ChoJLimHJungBKShinEHChaiJY. Anisakis pegreffii larvae in sea eels (Astroconger myriaster) from the South Sea, Republic of Korea. Korean J Parasitol. (2015) 53:34953. 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.3.349

  • 73.

    Reyes-BalaguerJDíez-GandíaASerna-AndradaN. Consideraciones a la infección por Anisakis con presentación atípica [Anisakis infection with atypical presentation]. Semergen. (2016) 42:212. 10.1016/j.semerg.2015.04.014

  • 74.

    ZhangL. Preliminary investigation on the infection of simple anisakis larvae in Bohai fish. J Cangzhou Norm Univer. (2002) 18:4147. 10.3969/j.issn.1008-4762.2002.03.021

  • 75.

    QuiazonKMYoshinagaTOgawaK. Distribution of anisakis species larvae from fishes of the Japanese waters. Parasitol Int. (2011) 60:2236. 10.1016/j.parint.2011.03.002

  • 76.

    CavalleroSMartiniAMigliaraGDe VitoCIavicoliSD'AmelioS. Anisakiasis in Italy: analysis of hospital discharge records in the years 2005-2015. PLoS ONE. (2018) 13:e0208772. 10.1371/journal.pone.0208772

  • 77.

    MladineoIPoljakV. Ecology and genetic structure of zoonotic Anisakis spp. from adriatic commercial fish species. Appl Environ Microbiol. (2014) 80:128190. 10.1128/AEM.03561-13

  • 78.

    ShamsiSSheoreyH. Seafood-borne parasitic diseases in Australia: are they rare or underdiagnosed?Intern Med J. (2018) 48:5916. 10.1111/imj.13786

  • 79.

    ShamsiSSutharJ. A revised method of examining fish for infection with zoonotic nematode larvae. Int J Food Microbiol. (2016) 227:136. 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.03.023

  • 80.

    RöserDStensvoldCR. Anisakiasis mistaken for dientamoebiasis?Clin Infect Dis. (2013) 57:1500. 10.1093/cid/cit543

  • 81.

    SohnWMNaBKKimTHParkTJ. Anisakiasis: report of 15 gastric cases caused by anisakis type I larvae and a brief review of Korean anisakiasis cases. Korean J Parasitol. (2015) 53:46570. 10.3347/kjp.2015.53.4.465

  • 82.

    D'AmelioSMathiopoulosKDBrandonisioOLucarelliGDoronzoFPaggiL. Diagnosis of a case of gastric anisakidosis by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Parassitologia. (1999) 41:5913.

  • 83.

    CiprianiPAcerraVBellisarioBSbaragliaGLCheleschiRNascettiGet al. Larval migration of the zoonotic parasite Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus: implications to seafood safety. Food Control. (2016) 59:14857. 10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.04.043

  • 84.

    GuardoneLNuceraDLodolaLBTinacciLAcutisPLGuidiAet al. Anisakis spp. larvae in different kinds of ready to eat products made of anchovies (Engraulis encrasicolus) sold in Italian supermarkets. Int J Food Microbiol. (2018) 268:108. 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2017.12.030

  • 85.

    ArizonoNYamadaMTegoshiTYoshikawaM. Anisakis simplex sensu stricto and Anisakis pegreffii: biological characteristics and pathogenetic potential in human anisakiasis. Foodborne Pathog Dis. (2012) 9:51721. 10.1089/fpd.2011.1076

  • 86.

    Del Carmen RomeroMValeroANavarro-MollMCMarttial nchezJ. Experimental comparison of pathogenic potential of two sibling species Anisakis simplex s.s. and Anisakis pegreffii in Wistar rat. Trop Med Int Health. (2013) 18:97984. 10.1111/tmi.12131

Summary

Keywords

anisakid nematodes, fish, prevalence, China, meta-analysis

Citation

Liu Q, Wang Q, Jiang J, Ma J-Y, Zhu X-Q and Gong Q-L (2022) Prevalence of Anisakid Nematodes in Fish in China: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front. Vet. Sci. 9:792346. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.792346

Received

19 October 2021

Accepted

20 January 2022

Published

21 February 2022

Volume

9 - 2022

Edited by

Elisabetta Antuofermo, University of Sassari, Italy

Reviewed by

Serena Cavallero, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Lisa Guardone, University of Pisa, Italy

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Jing Jiang Qing-Long Gong

This article was submitted to Veterinary Infectious Diseases, a section of the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Outline

Figures

Cite article

Copy to clipboard


Export citation file


Share article

Article metrics