Anaphylaxis due to hypersensitivity to Anisakis simplex

Anaphylactic reactions are among the most frequent causes for requests for emergency medical care. It is possible that no clear precipitating factor c an be found delaying the onset of adequate treatment and increasing the ris k of new episodes of anaphylaxis in the future. Hypersensitivity to Anisaki s simplex, an intestinal parasite found in fish, is an unusual cause of ana phylaxis but it should always be borne in mind in countries where a great d eal of fish is consumed, especially if it is eaten raw or undercooked. 3 ca ses of anaphylaxis due to hypersensitivity to A. simplex are described. Cop yright (C) 2001 S.Karger AG, Basel