The Inhibitory Effect of Wood Creosote on the Movement of Anisakis Larvae: An Implication for the Treatment of Acute Anisakiasis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Anisakiasis is a common disease in countries such as Japan, where raw or undercooked marine fish are frequently consumed. The disease is caused by accidental ingestion of a live larva of <i>Anisakis</i> in raw or undercooked marine fish. In typical cases, it causes abrupt gastrointestinal symptoms, such as epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. According to a published report, the disease was alleviated by oral ingestion of an over-the-counter drug containing wood creosote. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed an in vitro experiment to elucidate whether wood creosote can inhibit the motor activity of <i>Anisakis</i> larvae, using infrared locomotion tracking and agarose gel penetration techniques. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Our results clearly demonstrate that wood creosote inhibits the motor activity of <i>Anisakis</i> larvae. The concentration of wood creosote used in our experiment is similar to that found in stomach juice when a usual oral dose is taken of the medicine containing wood creosote. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> Our results suggest the potential usefulness of the medicine containing wood creosote in the treatment of acute <i>Anisakis</i> infection of the gastrointestinal tract.