Anisakis simplex (s.s.): Life cycle and biology

PhD defence by Kaan Kumas

Assessment Committee

Professor Birgitte J Vennervald, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Dr Pikka Jokelainen, Statens Serum Institut (SSI)
Dr Mélanie GAY, Unit of Bacteriology and Parasitology of Fishery and Aquaculture Products, National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES)

Supervisor

Professor Kurt Buchmann

Department

Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Graduate Programme

Health and Medical Sciences

Place

Building: 1-04, Room: A1-04.01, Grønnegårdsvej 7, 1870 & Frederiksberg C

Email address to gain access to the thesis: kumas.kaan@sund.ku.dk.
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.
Recipients of copies of the thesis are not allowed to share or distribute it due to copyright compliance.

Short description of the thesis

This PhD thesis investigated the biology and control of the zoonotic nematode Anisakis simplex occurring as infective third stage larva in marine fish worldwide. The studies elucidated the parasite’s reaction under different biotic and abiotic conditions. First of all the life cycle in Danish marine areas was documented. Then the fish immune responses towards infection was described. The occurrence of the parasite in an important fish host was mapped and used to describe how industrial processing can eliminate parasites from edible parts of in fish products. Finally the survival of the parasite exposed to the most commonly used marination reagents supports consumer safely. The thesis provides new insights towards the A. simplex biology, host–parasite interactions, and food safety.