Ensuring the safety of fish for human consumption is paramount in safeguarding public health, particularly in relation to parasitic infections. The European hake (Merluccius merluccius Linnaeus, 1758) may harbor various parasitic nematodes, some of which have zoonotic potential. This cross-sectional survey analyzed a random sample of European hake collected from two fish shops in Batna city (NE Algeria). After 24 h in cold storage, the samples were transported to the laboratory for further examination. Fish autopsies revealed a staggering 70% parasitization rate. Microscopic examination of isolated nematodes, treated with glycerine, identified two genera within the Anisakidae family: Anisakis sp. (62%) and Pseudoterranova sp. (31.25%). Unidentified nematodes accounted for 6.75%. The detection of Anisakidae family nematodes in fish intended for human consumption underscores the urgency of rigorous veterinary control. This imperative measure aims to preserve public health, mitigate economic losses, and curtail the environmental consequences associated with the proliferation of such parasites.

Anisakiasis is caused by consuming raw fish contaminated with Anisakis sp. larvae and is extremely rare, especially when originating in the esophagus. We present a case of esophageal anisakiasis in a 61-year-old male who experienced severe precordial pain and radiating discomfort to the neck after consuming raw fish sashimi. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed the presence of a larva in the upper esophagus. On the basis of anatomo-morphological features, the worm was provisionally identified as Anisakis sp. and was easily extracted with forceps, which led to a prompt improvement in the patient\'s symptoms. This case highlights the importance of considering anisakiasis as a differential diagnosis in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of consuming raw fish.

The genus Anisakis is among the most significant parasites to public health, as it causes anisakiasis, a parasitic infection in humans resulting from consuming raw or undercooked seafood. Although the infection status of i>Anisakis in second intermediate hosts, such as marine fishes and cephalopods, and humans have been severally reported in Korea, no information about the definitive host in Korean waters is available. In 2014, 2 adult gastric nematodes were collected from a common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) found in the East Sea, Korea. These worms were identified as A. simplex sensu stricto (s.s.) by comparing the mitochondrial COX2 marker with previously deposited sequences. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of A. simplex (s.s.) worldwide revealed 2 distinct populations: the Pacific population and the European waters population. This is the first report on adult i>Anisakis and its definitive host species in Korea. Further studies on Anisakis infection in other cetacean species and marine mammals in Korean seas are warrantedi>Anisakis.