Which symptom is particularly indicative of an Anisakis infection?

Anisakis infection, also known as anisakiasis, is caused by the ingestion of larvae from the Anisakis worm, which is commonly found in raw or undercooked fish and seafood. One of the most characteristic symptoms of this infection is coughing. This occurs when the larvae penetrate the stomach wall or the intestinal lining, often leading to a sensation that can trigger a cough reflex, similar to how the body responds to a foreign object in the throat or respiratory tract.

Coughing in this context may also occur due to the body's immune response to the presence of the larvae, which can cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, some patients may experience other gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, but these are not as distinctive as coughing when it comes to identifying Anisakis infection specifically.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for healthcare professionals and food safety personnel because recognizing the signs of anisakiasis can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, helping to prevent severe complications associated with the infection.