ABSTRACT
This chapter provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases caused by Pseudoterranova in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The family Anisakidae covers a closely related group of marine nematodes that are organized into eight genera (i.e., Anisakis, Contracaecum, Ophidascaris, Phocascaris, Pseudanisakis, Pseudoterranova, Sulcascaris, and Terranova). Pseudoterranova adult worms are cylindrical, nonsegmented, with an oral (mouth) opening, a fluid-filled pseudocoel, a complete digestive tract, and an anal opening. Along with the genera Anisakis and Contracaecum, the genus Pseudoterranova has been implicated in human diseases, albeit at a lower frequency than Anisakis. Although human pseudoterranoviasis occasionally displays allergic symptoms, Pseudoterranova proteins responsible for inducing allergic responses have not been adequately studied in comparison with Anisakis allergens. Obviously, additional studies on this and other areas will be crucial to help unravel the molecular mechanisms of Pseudoterranova pathogenicity and contribute to the improved control of this foodborne parasite.
