Abstract
In spring 2016, Greece reported an outbreak caused by a previously undescribed Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype (antigenic formula 11:z41:e,n,z15) via the Epidemic Intelligence Information System for Food- and Waterborne Diseases and Zoonoses (EPIS-FWD), with epidemiological evidence for sesame products as presumptive vehicle. Subsequently, Germany, Czech Republic, Luxembourg and the United Kingdom (UK) reported infections with this novel serotype via EPIS-FWD. Concerned countries in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) adopted a common outbreak case definition. An outbreak case was defined as a laboratory-confirmed notification of the novel Salmonella serotype. Between March 2016 and April 2017, 47 outbreak cases were notified (Greece: n = 22; Germany: n = 13; Czech Republic: n = 5; Luxembourg: n = 4; UK: n = 3). Whole genome sequencing revealed the very close genetic relatedness of isolates from all affected countries. Interviews focusing on sesame product consumption, suspicious food item testing and trace-back analysis following Salmonella spp. detection in food products identified a company in Greece where sesame seeds from different countries were processed. Through European collaboration, it was possible to identify and recall sesame spread as one contaminated food item serving as vehicle of infection and trace it back to its origin.
Highlights
Salmonella spp. is responsible for the majority of foodborne outbreaks in Europe [1]
Interviews focusing on sesame product consumption, suspicious food item testing and trace-back analysis following Salmonella spp. detection in food products identified a company in Greece where sesame seeds from different countries were processed
Between 15 March and 30 May 2016, the Greek National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella and Shigella (NRLSS) in Vari, a suburb of Athens, detected 16 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates with the antigenic formula 11:z41:e,n,z15 sharing an indistinguishable PFGE profile
Summary
Salmonella spp. is responsible for the majority of foodborne outbreaks in Europe [1]. Enterica isolates with the antigenic formula 11:z41:e,n,z15 sharing an indistinguishable PFGE profile. Between 15 March and 30 May 2016, the Greek National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella and Shigella (NRLSS) in Vari, a suburb of Athens, detected 16 Salmonella enterica subsp. This combination of antigens is not listed in the current ninth edition of the White-Kauffman–Le Minor scheme [2,3]. Number of cases during Number of the outbreak period female cases. Number of asymptomatic cases/ cases with information on symptoms available Greece Germany Czech Republic NA Luxembourg
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