Anisakis simplex s.l. parasitization in mackerel (Scomber japonicus) caught in the North of Morocco — Prevalence and analysis of risk factors

Consumption of mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is very widespread in Morocco, where its production is an important economic pillar. We investigated the prevalence of infection by Anisakis spp. in mackerel caught in Moroccan waters, analyzing infection risk factors. The prevalence was generally higher in fish from the Atlantic (67.9%) than from the Mediterranean (57.0%), but they did not differ in the mean abundance, intensity, or prevalence of muscle parasitization. A. pegreffii was the predominant species (82.6% of larvae) followed by the hybrid A. simplex s.s./A. pegreffii (16.3%). Only one L3 of A. simplex s.s. was found in a specimen of S. japonicus from the Atlantic. Mackerel infection was associated with total fish weight, gonad weight, catch area, and catch season. However, muscle infection was associated solely with total weight and parasite loads. The consumption of lower-weight mackerel may be a good prophylactic measure against human anisakiasis.

► A. pegreffii is the predominant species in mackerel form North of Morocco.
► The prevalence of Anisakis in the muscle is low.
► Muscle infection was associated with total fish weight and parasite loads.
► The consumption of lower-weight mackerel may be a good prophylactic measure against human anisakiasis.