Surface Ultrastructure of Anisakidae Larvae

Abstract

The ultrastructure of the third stage larva (L3) of Anisakidae was described using a scanning electron microscope developed by Soleim in 1974 [6], Aji et al. [1], Valter et al. [7], Smith [5], Fujino et al. [2], and Weerasooriya et al. [8]. Among them, Fujino et al. in 1984 and Weerasooriya et al. in 1986 have often referred to the fourth stage larva (L4). Special attention has been paid to the fine structure of the anterior and the posterior extremity, and the cuticular structures of the larvae. These studies are essential to identify the larva in tissue sections, larval fragments from gastric and intestinal anisakiasis patients or a worm passed through the intestine. The classification of Anisakidae larvae was determined according to the system introduced by Koyama [4].