Abstract
We assessed microbial safety and quality of raw fish sold in Singapore during 2015-2016 to complement epidemiologic findings for an outbreak of infection with group B Streptococcus serotype III sequence type (ST) 283 associated with raw fish consumption. Fish-associated group B Streptococcus ST283 strains included strains nearly identical (0-2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms) with the human outbreak strain, as well as strains in another distinct ST283 clade (57-71 single-nucleotide polymorphisms). Our investigations highlight the risk for contamination of freshwater fish (which are handled and distributed separately from saltwater fish sold as sashimi) and the need for improved hygienic handling of all fish for raw consumption. These results have led to updated policy and guidelines regarding the sale of ready-to-eat raw fish dishes in Singapore.
Highlights
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases
We found group B Streptococcus (GBS) ST283, the causative strain of a severe foodborne outbreak in Singapore, in the local freshwater fish supply chain that stretches from food stalls to local fresh produce markets and back to ports
This study suggested Malaysia as a source of the strain, the finding of the same sequence type (ST) in Hong Kong and Thailand (10,11) suggested that GBS ST283 is generally prevalent throughout the region
Summary
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Medscape, LLC and Emerging Infectious Diseases. LLC designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)TM. All other clinicians completing this activity will be issued a certificate of participation. To participate in this journal CME activity: (1) review the learning objectives and author disclosures; (2) study the education content; (3) take the post-test with a 75% minimum passing score and complete the evaluation at http://www.medscape.org/journal/eid; and (4) view/print certificate. Evaluate clinical and epidemiological findings of a human group B Streptococcus outbreak in Singapore based on a microbial study of raw fish and human samples. Determine the pathogenic potential of fish and human samples after a human group B Streptococcus outbreak in Singapore, based on a microbial study of these samples
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