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Resumen El abuso y mal uso de los antimicrobianos aceleró la propagación de bacterias resistentes. La asociación entre las infecciones que presentan resistencia a antimicrobianos (RAM) en humanos y el uso de antimicrobianos en la producción agropecuaria es compleja, pero está bien documentada. Proporcionamos una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sobre la diseminación de la resistencia a antimicrobianos designados como críticamente importantes por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) en cerdos, aves y bovinos de producción intensiva y extensiva en Argentina. Se buscó información en bases de datos electrónicas (Medline-PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, Sistema Nacional de Repositorios Digitales de Argentina) y en la literatura gris. Se incluyeron estudios epidemiológicos sobre la RAM en las principales bacterias transmitidas por los alimentos - Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli y Enterococcus spp. - y bacterias causantes de mastitis aisladas de cerdos, pollos y bovinos. Los resultados de este estudio apoyan la hipótesis de que la RAM de las bacterias transmitidas por los alimentos alcanza niveles alarmantes. Los metaanálisis seguidos de análisis por subgrupos mostraron asociación entre la RAM y (a) el animal (p<0,01) para estreptomicina, ampicilina y tetraciclina o (b) el sistema productivo (p<0,05) para estreptomicina, cefotaxima, ampicilina, ácido nalidíxico y tetraciclina. La mayor prevalencia conjunta de multirresistencia se detectó en cerdos (0,47 [0,29; 0,66]) y producción intensiva (0,62 [0,34; 0,83]), mientras que la menor correspondió a bovinos de leche (0,056 [0,003; 0,524]) y producción extensiva (0,107 [0,043; 0,240]). Se observó un vacío de información respecto de los bovinos de feedlot. Es urgente adoptar medidas políticas para coordinar y armonizar la vigilancia de la RAM y regular el uso de antimicrobianos en animales.
Abstract Abuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents has accelerated the spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. The association between antimicrobial-resistant infections in humans and antimicrobial use in agriculture is complex, but well-documented. This study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antimicrobials defined as critically important by the WHO, in swine, chicken, and cattle from intensive and extensive production systems in Argentina. We conducted searches in electronic databases (MEDLINE-PubMed, Web of Science, SciELO, the National System of Digital Repositories from Argentina) as well as in the gray literature. Inclusion criteria were epidemiological studies on AMR in the main food-transmitted bacteria, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., and mastitis-causing bacteria, isolated from swine, chicken, dairy and beef cattle from Argentina. This study gives evidence for supporting the hypothesis that AMR of common food-transmitted bacteria in Argentina is reaching alarming levels. Meta-analyses followed by subgroup analyses confirmed the association between the prevalence of AMR and (a) animal species (p<0.01) for streptomycin, ampicillin and tetracycline or (b) the animal production system (p<0.05) for streptomycin, cefotaxime, nalidixic acid, ampicillin and tetracycline. Moreover, swine (0.47 [0.29; 0.66]) and intensive production (0.62 [0.34; 0.83]) showed the highest pooled prevalence of multidrug resistance while dairy (0.056 [0.003; 0.524]) and extensive production (0.107 [0.043; 0.240]) showed the lowest. A research gap regarding beef-cattle from feedlot was identified. Finally, there is an urgent need for political measures meant to coordinate and harmonize AMR surveillance and regulate antimicrobial use in animal production.
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Abstract Background: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) is one of the major causes of food-borne disease worldwide, mainly associated with the consumption of poultry products, such as eggs. Several control methods have been implemented in the egg production process, but they have not effectively reduced the outbreaks. Therefore, the use of bacteriophages for the biocontrol of food-borne pathogens is gaining increasing acceptance. Objective: To evaluate a bacteriophage cocktail's effectiveness in reducing SE counts in an experimentally contaminated mayonnaise-like matrix. Methods: Homemade mayonnaise was contaminated with SE (103 CFU/ml) with equal volume to a matrix (1:1) treated with a bacteriophage cocktail (five phages, MOI 105), and stored at 21 °C for 24 and 72 h. Bacterial counts were performed to evaluate the bio-controlling activity of the cocktail and compared with a contaminated but not treated group. Results: Significant reductions (up to 3.75 log10 CFU/ml) were observed in the bacteriophage-treated groups (p<0.0001). Conclusions: These results demonstrate the effectiveness of bacteriophages as biocontrol agents for Salmonella Enteritidis in a raw-egg-derivative foodstuff. Further studies are needed to prove the reduction in an undiluted homemade mayonnaise.
Resumen Antecedentes: La Salmonella enterica, serovar Enteritidis (SE), es una de las principales causas de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos en todo el mundo, asociadas principalmente al consumo de productos avícolas tales como los huevos. Diferentes métodos de control se han ensayado en el proceso de producción de huevos, pero no han sido capaces de reducir eficazmente los brotes de salmonelosis en las personas. Por esta razón, el uso de bacteriófagos para el control biológico de patógenos transmitidos por los alimentos está ganando cada vez más aceptación. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de un cóctel de bacteriófagos para reducir los recuentos de SE en una matriz similar a la de mayonesa contaminada experimentalmente. Método: La mayonesa casera fue contaminada con SE (103 UFC/ml) en igual volumen que la matriz (1:1), tratada con una mezcla de bacteriófagos (cinco fagos, MOI 105), y almacenada a 21 °C por 24 y 72 h. Se realizaron recuentos bacterianos para evaluar la actividad biocontroladora de la mezcla y compararlos con un grupo contaminado, pero no tratado. Resultados: Se observaron reducciones significativas (hasta 3,75 log10 CFU/ml) en los grupos tratados con bacteriófagos (p<0,0001). Conclusiones: Estos resultados demuestran la efectividad del uso de bacteriófagos como agentes de biocontrol de Salmonella Enteritidis en un alimento crudo derivado del huevo. Sin embargo, se necesita realizar más estudios para comprobar la reducción en mayonesa casera no diluida.
Resumo Antecedentes: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) é uma das principais causas de doenças transmitidas por alimentos em todo o mundo, principalmente associada ao consumo de produtos derivados de aves, como ovos. Diferentes métodos de controle foram implementados no processo de produção de ovos, mas não foram capazes de reduzir efetivamente os surtos nas pessoas. Por esse motivo, o uso de bacteriófagos para o controle biológico de patógenos de origem alimentar está ganhando crescente aceitação. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de um coquetel de bacteriófagos na redução da contagem de SE em uma matriz experimentalmente semelhante a maionese contaminada. Método: A maionese caseira foi contaminada com SE (103 UFC/ml) no mesmo volume da matriz (1:1), tratada com uma mistura de bacteriófagos (cinco fagos, MOI 105) e armazenada a 21 °C por 24 e 72 h. As contagens bacterianas foram realizadas para avaliar a atividade de biocontrole da mistura e comparadas com um grupo contaminado, mas não tratado. Resultados: Reduções significativas (até 3,75 log10 UFC/ ml) foram observadas nos grupos tratados com bacteriófagos (p<0,0001). Conclusões: Esses resultados demonstram a eficácia do uso de bacteriófagos como agentes de biocontrole de Salmonella Enteritidis em alimentos crus derivados de ovos, mas são necessários mais estudos para verificar a redução da maionese caseira não diluída.
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Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in the cases of foodborne diseases under active surveillance in Xi'an, and to provide references for prevention and control of foodborne diseases. Methods Information on surveillance cases of foodborne diseases reported by two sentinel hospitals in Xi'an from 2017 to 2019 was collected. Data was statistically analyzed. Results From 2017 to 2019, a total of 904 cases of active surveillance of foodborne diseases were reported by two active surveillance sentinel hospitals in Xi'an. There were more cases in the age groups of 1-5 and 5-8, accounting for 35.18% and 20.02%, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of cases reported in four quarters（χ2=545.38，P2=321.92，P2= 26.49，P2=92.17，P<0.05） in different seasons, and the detection rate was higher in the first and fourth quarters. Conclusion The main pathogens of food-borne diseases are Norovirus and Salmonella in Xi'an. It is suggested that active surveillance should be strengthened. The prevention and control knowledge of foodborne diseases should be carried out according to the epidemiological characteristics.
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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reveal the epidemiologic characteristics of the outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson in Busan Metropolitan City and to identify points for improvement to prevent of food-borne disease outbreak.METHODS: This was a case-control study. The control group comprised asymptomatic students in the same classes of the cases. The presence or absence of symptoms, ingestion of each food provided by school meal service, and commonly ingested foods in addition to those foods in meal service were investigated. Moreover, specimens collected from rectal swab, preserved foods, and environmental surface were tested.RESULTS: Of the 6,092 subjects, 1,111 (1,083 students, 22 school personnel, and 6 foodservice employees) were included in the case group; this corresponded to an 18.4% attack rate. Symptoms included diarrhea (n=1,051, 94.6%), abdominal pain (n=931, 83.8%), febrile sensation (n=502, 45.2%), and vomiting (n=275, 24.8%). The epidemic curves of each 10 schools were unimodal. Investigation of food intake showed a significantly high odds ratio for chocolate cake in 5 out of the 10 schools. Laboratory test detected Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson both in rectal swab specimens of 9 schools and in collected preserved chocolate cakes of 9 schools. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis test result showed that Salmonella enterica seorvar Thompson isolated from human and foods were the same.CONCLUSIONS: The source of infection for the Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson outbreak in the 10 schools of Busan Metropolitan City is chocolate cake. Traceback investigation for origin of contaminated food in food-borne disease outbreak and safety control during food production should be more enhanced.
Subject(s)
Humans , Abdominal Pain , Cacao , Case-Control Studies , Diarrhea , Eating , Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field , Food, Preserved , Foodborne Diseases , Gastroenteritis , Korea , Meals , Odds Ratio , Salmonella enterica , Salmonella Infections , Salmonella , Sensation , Serogroup , VomitingABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reveal the epidemiologic characteristics of the outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson in Busan Metropolitan City and to identify points for improvement to prevent of food-borne disease outbreak. METHODS: This was a case-control study. The control group comprised asymptomatic students in the same classes of the cases. The presence or absence of symptoms, ingestion of each food provided by school meal service, and commonly ingested foods in addition to those foods in meal service were investigated. Moreover, specimens collected from rectal swab, preserved foods, and environmental surface were tested. RESULTS: Of the 6,092 subjects, 1,111 (1,083 students, 22 school personnel, and 6 foodservice employees) were included in the case group; this corresponded to an 18.4% attack rate. Symptoms included diarrhea (n=1,051, 94.6%), abdominal pain (n=931, 83.8%), febrile sensation (n=502, 45.2%), and vomiting (n=275, 24.8%). The epidemic curves of each 10 schools were unimodal. Investigation of food intake showed a significantly high odds ratio for chocolate cake in 5 out of the 10 schools. Laboratory test detected Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson both in rectal swab specimens of 9 schools and in collected preserved chocolate cakes of 9 schools. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis test result showed that Salmonella enterica seorvar Thompson isolated from human and foods were the same. CONCLUSIONS: The source of infection for the Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson outbreak in the 10 schools of Busan Metropolitan City is chocolate cake. Traceback investigation for origin of contaminated food in food-borne disease outbreak and safety control during food production should be more enhanced.
Subject(s)
Humans , Abdominal Pain , Cacao , Case-Control Studies , Diarrhea , Eating , Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field , Food, Preserved , Foodborne Diseases , Gastroenteritis , Korea , Meals , Odds Ratio , Salmonella enterica , Salmonella Infections , Salmonella , Sensation , Serogroup , VomitingABSTRACT
To determine that Paragonimus sp. is actively transmitted in a tropical area of the Pacific region of Ecuador where human cases of pulmonary paragonimiasis have recently been documented, a total of 75 freshwater crabs were collected from 2 different streams in the Pedernales area of Manabí Province, Ecuador. All collected crabs were identified as Hypolobocera guayaquilensis based on morphological characteristics of the male gonopods. The hepatopancreas of each crab was examined by compressing it between 2 glass plates followed by observation under a stereomicroscope. Excysted Paragonimus metacercariae were detected in 39 (52.0%) crabs and their densities varied from 1 to 32 per infected crab. There was a positive relationship between crab size and metacercarial density. Sequences of the second internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene of the Paragonimus metacercariae obtained in this study were identical to those of Paragonimus mexicanus deposited in the DDBJ/EMBL/GenBank database. Thus, the present study is the first to confirm that the crab species H. guayaquilensis is the second intermediate host of P. mexicanus in Manabí Province, Ecuador. Because this crab might be the possible source of human infections in this area, residents should pay attention to improper crab-eating habits related with a neglected parasitic disease, i.e., paragonimiasis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Ecuador , Foodborne Diseases , Fresh Water , Genes, rRNA , Glass , Hepatopancreas , Metacercariae , Paragonimiasis , Paragonimus , Parasitic Diseases , RiversABSTRACT
Abstract Despite recent advances in food production technology, food-borne diseases (FBD) remain a challenging public health concern. In several countries, including Brazil, Clostridium perfringens is among the five main causative agents of food-borne diseases. The present study determines antimicrobial activities of essential oils of six condiments commonly used in Brazil, viz., Ocimum basilicum L. (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), Origanum majorana L. (marjoram), Mentha × piperita L. var. Piperita (peppermint), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) and Pimpinella anisum L. (anise) against C. perfringens strain A. Chemical compositions of the oils were determined by GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). The identities of the isolated compounds were established from the respective Kováts indices, and a comparison of mass spectral data was made with those reported earlier. The antibacterial activity was assessed from minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were 1.25 mg mL-1 for thyme, 5.0 mg mL-1 for basil and marjoram, and 10 mg mL-1 for rosemary, peppermint and anise. All oils showed bactericidal activity at their minimum inhibitory concentration, except anise oil, which was only bacteriostatic. The use of essential oils from these common spices might serve as an alternative to the use of chemical preservatives in the control and inactivation of pathogens in commercially produced food systems.
Subject(s)
Plant Oils/pharmacology , Oils, Volatile/pharmacology , Clostridium perfringens/drug effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Plant Oils/analysis , Brazil , Oils, Volatile/analysis , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Clostridium perfringens/growth & development , Ocimum basilicum/chemistry , Rosmarinus/chemistry , Origanum/chemistry , Thymus Plant/chemistry , Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry , Anti-Bacterial Agents/analysisABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the microbiology and epidemiology in food-borne diarrhea cases in a 3-A hospital in Pudong New Area, so as to provide evidence for prevention measures. Methods The data on food-borne diarrhea cases was collected from August 14, 2013 to August 13, 2014 in a 3-A general hospital in Pudong New Area and its prevalent features were analyzed with descriptive epidemiologic methods.Stool samples were collected to detect pathogenic bacteria. Results Of the 310 food-borne diarrhea cases, the main suspected food categories were meat and its products ( n =115, 37.1%), vegetables and fruits(n=86, 27.7%) and seafood(n=68,21.9%).In 182 stool samples collected, 32 pathogenic strains were detected.The main bacteria was The diarrheagenic Escherichia coli ( n =16, 8.80%), Salmonella (n=8,4.40%), and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (n=8, 4.40%). Conclusion Food-borne diarrhea cases found in this 3-A hospital were mainly caused by bacteria as the diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, Salmonellas and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.And meat and its products, vegetables and fruits were possible contaminated food.
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Objective: To investigate the bacterial load and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates obtained from (ready to cook) frozen food samples of animal origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methods: A total of 20 samples of frozen ready to cook food of animal origin were purchased from different separate grocery stores in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated and identified based on the basis of biochemical properties. Results: A total of 57 isolates has been isolated from 20 samples, of them 35.08% were Gram positive and 64.92% were Gram negative organisms. Highest percentages of isolated organisms were Staphylococcocus spp. (24.56%), Alcaligene spp. (17.54%), Klebshiella spp. (12.28%) and the lowest percentages of organisms were Enterococcus spp., Actinobacillus spp. and Proteus spp. Antibiogram results clearly showed that levofloxacin and imipenem were the most effective drug against the isolates. The less effective antibiotics were chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid and resistance was highest against ciprofloxacin. The most contaminated food was chicken nuggets. Conclusions: This type of frozen food contaminated with multi-antibiotic resistant microorganisms can be potential vehicles for transmitting food-borne diseases.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the bacterial load and antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates obtained from (ready to cook) frozen food samples of animal origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 20 samples of frozen ready to cook food of animal origin were purchased from different separate grocery stores in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bacteria were isolated and identified based on the basis of biochemical properties.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 57 isolates has been isolated from 20 samples, of them 35.08% were Gram positive and 64.92% were Gram negative organisms. Highest percentages of isolated organisms were Staphylococcocus spp. (24.56%), Alcaligene spp. (17.54%), Klebshiella spp. (12.28%) and the lowest percentages of organisms were Enterococcus spp., Actinobacillus spp. and Proteus spp. Antibiogram results clearly showed that levofloxacin and imipenem were the most effective drug against the isolates. The less effective antibiotics were chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid and resistance was highest against ciprofloxacin. The most contaminated food was chicken nuggets.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This type of frozen food contaminated with multi-antibiotic resistant microorganisms can be potential vehicles for transmitting food-borne diseases.</p>
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El objetivo de este trabajo fue confirmar por Electroforesis de Campo Electrico Pulsado (PFGE) que la Salmonella aislada del alimento implicado en el brote (queso blanco) fue la responsable del evento.La muestra de queso blanco presento elevado recuento de coliformes, E. coli y S. aureus,ademas, presencia de Salmo nella spp., lo que indico condiciones sanitarias inadecuadas y posible contaminacion de origen fecal. Para la confirmacion de las cepas sospechosas de Sal monella spp, aisladas de los pacientes y del alimento, se utilizaron tecnicas bioquimicas convencionales, la serotipificacion se realizo siguiendo el esquema de White-kauffmann-LeMinor y la sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos (Ampicilina, Trimetroprim-Sulfametoxazole, Ciprofloxacina, Amoxicilina, Ac.Clavulanico, Cloranfenicol, Ceftriaxone y Tetraciclina) por la tecnica kirby-Bauer. Las cepas bacterianas de Salmonella spp aisladas fueron identificadas como Salmonella Javiana [1,9,12:l, z28:1,5] y resultaron sensibles a todos los antibioticos probados.La Tipificacion Molecular de las cepas, se realizo por PFGE, se gun protocolo estandarizado de PulseNet para Salmonella y el analisis de los patrones se estudio utilizando el programa BioNumerics, version 4.0, lo cual mostro que los aisla dos de Salmonella Javiana procedentes tanto de pacientes como del alimento tenian identico patron de restriccion, en tamano y numero de fragmentos. La ocurrencia de un patron unico de PFGE (Coeficiente de similitud 100%) entre los aislados permitio demostrar que el queso contaminado con Salmonella Javiana fue el responsable del brote familiar.
The aim of this work was confirmation through Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) that Salmonella isolated from the food implicated in the outbreak (white cheese) was responsible for the event. The white cheese sample showed a high count of Coli orms,f E. coli and S. aureus. Moreover, Salmonella was pre ent,s which indicated inadequate sanitary conditions and possible fecal contamination. The suspected Salmonella strains isolated from patients and the food sample, were confirmed using conventional biochemical techniques, serotyping according to the White-kauffmann-Le Minor scheme and antibiotics sensibility (Am picillin, Trimetroprim-Sulfametoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicillin, Clavulanic Acid, Cloranfenicol, Ceftriaxone and tetraciclin) following kirby-Bauers technique. The Salmonella strains were identified as Salmonella Javiana [1,9,12:I, z28:1,5]and were sensitive to all the antibiotics tested. The molecular typing of the strains was performed using PFGE, according to the PulseNet standardized protocol for Salmonella. The pattern analysis was studied using Bionunella merics program, version 4.0, which showed that the Sal monella Javiana isolates from patients as the food sample had an identical restriction pattern in size and fragments number. The incidence of a unique pattern of PFGE (similarity coefficient 100%) between isolates demonstrated that the cheese contaminated with Salmonella Javiana was responsible for the family outbreak.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Salmonella/classification , Food Contamination/prevention & control , Epidemiology , Electrophoresis/instrumentation , Salmonella/pathogenicity , Public Health , Molecular Typing/methodsABSTRACT
Este artigo de revisão tem como objetivo descrever as principais características do Staphylocococus aureus e a relação deste micro-organismo com as doenças transmitidas por alimentos. S. aureus é a principal espécie do gênero e o homem e os animais são os reservatórios. Este micro-organismo se multiplica com facilidade em vários alimentos e produz enterotoxinas (EE) termorresistentes. Leite cru e derivados, creme, tortas recheadas com creme, salada de batata, atum, carne de frango, presunto, carnes e produtos a base de ovos já foram incriminados nos surtos alimentares envolvendo os estafilococos. Os principais sintomas são náuseas, vômito, cãibras abdominais e diarréia. O período de incubação varia de 2 a 4 horas. São conhecidos 20 tipos diferentes de EE e sua produção é influenciada pela temperatura, pH, atividade de água, tamanho do inóculo, fonte de carbono e nitrogênio, concentração de sal e condições atmosféricas do substrato. A maioria das intoxicações é produzida por EEA e EED. As EE são detectáveis nos alimentos que apresentam populações de S. aureus acima de 105 UFC/mL de alimento. A dose mínima de EE ingerida para causar intoxicação é 100 ng. Para detecção de EE, existem métodos como Sensibilidade Ótima em Placas (OSP- Optimun Sensitivity Place), microslide, Aglutinação Reversa Passiva em Látex (RPLA- Reversed Passive Latex Agglutination) e ELISA. A Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR- Polimerase Chain Reaction), apesar de não diferenciar células viáveis de não viáveis, pode ser aplicada para detecção de diversos tipos de estafilococos enterotoxigênicos.
This review article aims to describe the main characteristics of Staphylocococus aureus and the relation of this microorganism with food-borne disease. S. aureus is the main species of this genus, and man and animals are the main reservoirs. These microorganisms can easily grow in food and produce thermo-resistant enterotoxins. Whole milk and dairy products, cream, cream-filled pies, potato salad, tuna, chicken, ham, meat and egg-based products have been incriminated in food-borne outbreaks involving Staphylococcus. The main symptoms are nausea, vomit, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The incubation period varies from 2 to 4 hours. Twenty different enterotoxins are known and their production is influenced by temperature, pH, water activity, inoculum size, carbon and nitrogen availability, salt concentration and atmospheric conditions. The majority of food poisoning is caused by enterotoxins A and E. The enterotoxins are detectable in food containing S. aureus populations above 105 CFU/mL. The minimum dose of enterotoxin necessary to cause staphylococcal poisoning is 100 ng. To detect enterotoxins, methods like optimum sensitivity plate (OSP), microslide, reversed passive latex agglutination (RPLA) and ELISA can be applied. Although polimerase chain reaction (PCR) cannot differentiate viable and nonviable cells, it can be used to detect different kinds of enterotoxigenic staphylococci.
Subject(s)
Staphylococcal Food Poisoning , Staphylococcal Infections/diagnosis , Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Food Microbiology , Foodborne DiseasesABSTRACT
This report summarizes recent food-borne disease outbreaks in Korea by month, pathogen, dining place, and scale. In particular, imported cases are described separately. Sources of information include surveillance and statistic data and reports of KCDC/MOHW and KFDA, and scientific journals from home and abroad. Investigation results indicate that reports of food-borne disease cases and imported cases are increasing continuously in Korea. Many cases still occur in May and June, and new cases increasingly occur in December. Other new characteristic of the recent outbreaks is that they are increasingly attributable to pathogens such as Norovirus and EHEC. Outbreaks at mass meal preparation facilities represent a large proportion of cases, mainly due to the increase in the possibilities for common exposure, pathogen mobility, meat consumption, and the detection itself. To address this health problem, water and sewer service must be widely provided, food materials must be handled thoroughly, and good personal hygiene including proper hand washing must be further underscored. As a responsible agency, KCDC will also need to conduct thorough epidemiological investigations, establish an efficient surveillance system, work in a prompt manner, and enhance partnerships with various agencies.
Subject(s)
Humans , Disease Outbreaks , Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli , Foodborne Diseases , Hand Disinfection , Hygiene , Korea , Meals , Meat , Norovirus , WaterABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to investigate the sources of infection and modes of transmission of an outbreak of shigellosis that occurred among students of B middle and high school in Bonghwa, Korea from May 1 to 21, 1999. METHODS: We conducted questionnaires to 468 students, 38 staffs and 9 food handlers twice times (May 6, May 21) for follow up and secondary attack rate. Personal details and history of illness and exposure to particular foods were sought. And we conducted rectal swab for culture to 243 students, 33 staffs and 9 food handlers. Bacteriological examinations of water in the school were done. Cases were identified as subjects who had diarrhea (two or more loose stools in a 24-hour periods) on or after May 1. RESULTS: A total of 307 cases (attack rate: 59.6%) of 515 subjects were identified, including 50 confirmed (46 students and 4 staffs) by S. sonnei. All 9 food handlers denied illness and were had rectal swab for culture at May 6 that were negative for S. sonnei. 146 of 307 reported fever, 156 had tenesmus, 44 reported vomiting, and only 5 of 307 reported blood in the stool. The median duration of diarrhea was 4 days (range: 1-18 days). The mean incubation period until onset of diarrhea was 63 hours (range: 16-144 hours) and the secondary attack rate was 2.8% (43 cases of 1,561 family members). Risk for illness was higher among students who had eaten watered kimchi at March 30 than among those who did not [301(72.7%) of 417 versus 5(9.6%) of 52; RR=7.51; 95% CI=3.26-17.31]. CONCLUSION: The source of infection was estimated to be contaminated watered kimchi by one or two food handler who is presumed to be carrier.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diarrhea , Dysentery, Bacillary , Epidemiology , Fever , Follow-Up Studies , Foodborne Diseases , Korea , Surveys and Questionnaires , Shigella sonnei , Shigella , Vomiting , WaterABSTRACT
An outbreak of anthrax occurred in a village of Kyungsangbookdo province in February, 1994. The source of infection was raw meat and liver from an infected cow. Among those who ate the meat or liver, 28 developed gastrointestinal anthrax, and 3 patients died. We report a patient with anthrax tonsillitis. She ate raw bovine liver. The diagnosis was confirmed by the isolation of Bacillus anthracis from a tonsillarswab. Epidemiologically anthrax in Korea occurs as an outbreak of gastrointestinal anthrax by the ingestion of beef. Gastrointestinal anthrax should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a food-borne outbreak caused by ingestion of raw bovine meat.