Work

Prevalence, Morphological and Molecular Identification of Anisakis sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Squid from Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Graphical Abstract Highlight Research 1. Anisakis larvae were detected in 32% of Loligo sp. squid collected from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. 2. Anisakis larvae were recovered from the mantle of the abdominal cavity of Loligo sp. squid 3. First molecular identification of Anisakis typica in Loligo sp. squid from Indonesia 4. The presence of A. typica in Loligo sp. indicates a potential risk of allergic reactions associated with squid consumption. Abstract Anisakis spp. are parasitic nematodes belonging to the family Anisakidae and are recognized as important zoonotic parasites that pose a significant public health concern. Species identification is needed to interpret the occurrence of Anisakis larvae in commercially available squid. Information on squid marketed on Timor Island, Indonesia, remains limited. This study assessed larval prevalence and characterized selected larvae morphologically and molecularly in squid (Loligo sp.) from Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara. From June to October 2024, 500 squid were collected from five fish auction sites, with 100 specimens per site, and examined visually. Morphometric examination included 10 larvae per site. Molecular analysis used five samples, each pooling two larvae from one site, followed by mitochondrial cox2 amplification, sequencing, and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Anisakis larvae were detected in 160 squid (32%; 95% confidence interval, 28.1–36.2%), with site-specific prevalence ranging from 20% to 42%. A total of 172 larvae were recovered, with one to three larvae per infected squid. Examined larvae exhibited Type I morphology. Sequences from the pooled samples showed 100% identity to selected Anisakis typica reference sequences and clustered within the A. typica clade. To our knowledge this is the first study to identify Anisakis sp from Loligo squid in the waters of Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara and to molecularly confirm them as A. typica larvae. The results obtained in the study are not only to provide epidemiological data, but are also relevant for public health, because Anisakis sp has been confirmed as a zoonotic parasite, so it is important to know the health status of fish and Copepods in the waters of Timor Island to ensure safer consumption.

Source: Jurnal Ilmiah Perikanan dan Kelautan

DOI: 10.20473/jipk.v18i3.95508