Abstract
The occurrence of zoonotic parasitic nematodes in Atlantic chub mackerels (Scomber colias syn. Scomber japonicus) from Libyan waters was investigated, using epizootiological estimations and molecular specifi c characterization of larvae. Nematodes belonging to Anisakis spp., the main etio logical agent of anisakiasis in Mediterranean waters, and to Hysterothylacium spp. so far considered not pathogenic to humans, were detected. Prevalence values were generally high in visceral cavities (over 40 % for both parasites) while were low for Anisakis (around 1 %) and null for Hysterothylacium in muscles. Moreover, the level of infections was associated with seasons, a feature potentially use ful to plan fi shing captures and to elaborate risk mitigation strategies for anisakiasis. Species molec ular identifi cation performed on a subsample described the presence of Hysterothylacium aduncum as the predominant species, along with Anisakis pegreffi i and the hybrids (A. pegreffi i and A. simplex sensu stricto), thus posing a concrete zoonotic risk following the consumption of such fi sh species as a raw preparation