Rapid Method for Detection of Anisakidae Larvae in Marine Fishes, Based on UV Transillumination

A rapid and sensitive detection method is proposed to evaluate the presence and vitality degree of Anisakidae larvae in marine fishes by UV diaphanoscopy. 923 fish samples belonging to seven fish species (Merluccius merluccius, Molva elongata, Sardina pilchardus, Scomber scomber, Triglia lucerna, Engraulis encrasicolus, and Trachurus trachurus) were evaluated for the presence of Anisakidae larvae by using direct observation, peptic digestion, and UV transillumination. The results obtained indicate that UV transillumination can be considered a rapid and accurate tool for routine analysis of marine fishes even under field condition.