Third stage (L3) larva of Anisakis sp.

France, Pihet Marc

Third stage (L3) larva of Anisakidae belonging to the genus Anisakis, measuring 24 mm in length and 0.5 mm in diameter. Anisakidae are nematode worms which infect marine mammals, whose larvae are found in marine fishes (herring, mackerel, anchovies, whiting..). Human contamination usually occurs through eating raw or undercooked fishes, containing infective L3 stage larvae. Species identification requires the use of molecular biology techniques.