Foodborne Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Trends in recent waterborne and foodborne disease outbreaks in South Korea, 2015-2019.

ObjectivesThis study analyzed trends in foodborne and waterborne diseases in South Korea between 2015 and 2019.MethodsThe data consisted of information on outbreaks of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases reported through the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) system. We analyzed the trends and epidemiological aspects of outbreaks by month, place of occurrence, and causative pathogens in this observational study.ResultsThe number of outbreaks has steadily increased over the last 5 years, but the number of cases per outbreak has followed a decreasing trend. Incidence at daycare centers and preschools has been steadily increasing over consecutive years.ConclusionThe steady number of patients and decreasing number of cases per outbreak, even as the number of outbreaks has been increasing, suggest that the KCDC’s professional management system is operating effectively. It is necessary to continue improving the objectivity and efficiency of the management system and to carefully examine the increasing number of outbreaks in smaller-scale group catering facilities, such as daycare centers and preschools. Outbreaks can be prevented by closely examining those caused by unidentified pathogens and group outbreaks caused by other diseases, identifying problems, and supplementing the management system.

Prevalence of Listeria spp. with PRS Genes in Fresh Vegetables from Traditional Markets

Listeriosis is a foodborne infectious disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes and is considered a serious health problem, due to the severity of symptoms and a high mortality rate in worldwide This study aims to identify and determine the prevalence of Listeria species through prs gene screening of fresh vegetables distributed in several markets of Makassar City. A total of 57 fresh vegetable samples were collected from February to May 2019 in four traditional markets Makassar. The isolates is examines to phenotypically and genotypically Vitek and Multiplex PCR with prs and lmo1030 primer. Phenotype analysis did not show the presence of Listeria species, but the results of genotypic was found 8 positive prs gene samples (14.03%), consisting of 31.2% long beans, 18.2% cabbage, and 9.1% cucumber and. All Listeria species found in this study is Listeria monocytogenes. This study also provide information and additional data that prs genes can be used as screening genotype for identify Listeria species in fresh vegetables.

Assessment of Seroprevalence and the Risk Factors of Sheep Brucellosis in Basrah (Southern Iraq): A Challenge to Prospectively Control Brucellosis

Brucellosis is one of the most important foodborne infectious diseases distributed widely in low- and middle-income countries. The current study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and risk factors that influence the distribution of Brucella in sheep. A structured questionnaire was prepared and introduced to a total of 60 resident owners from five counties, and 400 sheep blood samples were randomly collected from the selected herds. The sera of isolated sheep were tested for Brucella spp. using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT). A univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors linked to animal management and husbandry practices at the farm level. The overall prevalence estimated for brucellosis was 31% (95% confidence interval [Cl]: 26.5–35.8). The odds of seroprevalence in sheep >1 year were significantly higher than those in sheep ≤1 year (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2, 95% Cl: 1.41–3.44). The logistic regression outcomes revealed that two variables related to the management and practices at the farm level were significantly associated with the seroprevalence of brucellosis. These variables were sheep sheep grazing with other flocks (OR: 5.8, 95 Cl% Cl: 1.53–22.67) and the practice of lending ram among sheep owners (OR: 9.3, 95% Cl: 1.05–83.82). Unconfined domesticated dogs, improper handling of aborted ewes, introduction of new animals in a herd, (purchased), and lack of knowledge about brucellosis among owners were underlined to be further important factors that could influence the spread of brucellosis. This study concluded that brucellosis is an endemic disease in Basrah, and the animal vaccination control program with an integrated health education program for sheep owners are obligatory elements of the prevention measures needed to be established to minimize the risk of brucellosis in Basrah.

Contribution of Foods and Poor Food-Handling Practices to the Burden of Foodborne Infectious Diseases in France.

The foodborne disease burden (FBDB) related to 26 major biological hazards in France was attributed to foods and poor food-handling practices at the final food preparation step, in order to develop effective intervention strategies, especially food safety campaigns. Campylobacter spp. and non-typhoidal Salmonella accounted for more than 60% of the FBDB. Approximately 30% of the FBDB were attributed to 11 other hazards including bacteria, viruses and parasites. Meats were estimated as the main contributing food category causing (50–69%) (CI90) of the FBDB with (33–44%), (9–21%), (4–20%) (CI90) of the FBDB for poultry, pork and beef, respectively. Dairy products, eggs, raw produce and complex foods caused each approximately (5–20%) (CI90) of the FBDB. When foods are contaminated before the final preparation step, we estimated that inadequate cooking, cross-contamination and inadequate storage contribute for (19–49%), (7–34%) and (9–23%) (CI90) of the FBDB, respectively; (15–33%) (CI90) of the FBDB were attributed to the initial contamination of ready-to-eat foods—without any contribution from final food handlers. The thorough implementation of good hygienic practices (GHPs) at the final food preparation step could potentially reduce the FBDB by (67–85%) (CI90) (mainly with the prevention of cross-contamination and adequate cooking and storage).

Biosensors for rapid detection of Salmonella in food: A review.

Salmonella is one of the main causes of foodborne infectious diseases, posing a serious threat to public health. It can enter the food supply chain at various stages of production, processing, distribution, and marketing. High prevalence of Salmonella necessitates efficient and effective approaches for its identification, detection, and monitoring at an early stage. Because conventional methods based on plate counting and real-time polymerase chain reaction are time-consuming and laborious, novel rapid detection methods are urgently needed for in-field and on-line applications. Biosensors provide many advantages over conventional laboratory assays in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and show superiority in rapid response and potential portability. They are now recognized as promising alternative tools and one of the most on-site applicable and end user-accessible methods for rapid detection. In recent years, we have witnessed a flourishing of studies in the development of robust and elaborate biosensors for detection of Salmonella in food. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on Salmonella biosensors by highlighting different signal-transducing mechanisms (optical, electrochemical, piezoelectric, etc.) and critically analyzing its recent trends, particularly in combination with nanomaterials, microfluidics, portable instruments, and smartphones. Furthermore, current challenges are emphasized and future perspectives are discussed.

Prevalence and Characterization of Campylobacter in Bile from Bovine Gallbladders

Campylobacter is one of the most important causes of food-borne infectious diseases. Antibiotics are rarely needed to treat campylobacteriosis, but occasionally used in severe or prolonged cases. Consumption of contaminated bovine liver is a source of campylobacteriosis. Bovine liver can be contaminated with Campylobacter on the surface and inside by the bile at slaughterhouses. Therefore, we investigated the current prevalence and characteristics of Campylobacter in bovine bile at a slaughterhouse. Campylobacter was isolated from 35.7% (55/154) of bile samples. C. jejuni and C. fetus were the two most frequent species. High antimicrobial resistant rates in C. jejuni were observed against tetracycline (63.0%) and ciprofloxacin (44.4%). Multi-locus sequence typing divided C. jejuni isolates (27 isolates) into 12 sequence types (STs) in which ST806 was the most frequent ST and accounted for 37.0%. All C. fetus were identified as C. fetus subsp. fetus which can cause systemic infections. High antimicrobial resistant rates in C. fetus were observed against ciprofloxacin (66.6%), streptomycin (58.3%) and tetracycline (33.3%). All the C. fetus isolates were divided into two STs, ST3 (16 isolates) and ST6 (8 isolates). Of the 16 ST3 isolates, 15 (93.8%) were resistant to both streptomycin and ciprofloxacin. Our data shows high prevalence of Campylobacter in bovine bile and their high rates of antimicrobial resistance. Preventing bile contamination of bovine liver at slaughterhouses is thus considered to be one of control measures to reduce the risk of Campylobacter infections.

Isolation and Identification of Psychotropic Fungal Contamination in Food Storage Refrigerators in Ahvaz City Restaurants

Background: Food-borne pathogens are one of the most important problems in less developed and developed countries. Commercial refrigerators are a potential source of fungal contamination that causes food spoilage, food-borne intestinal infectious diseases or mycotoxin diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of psychotropic fungi in food storage refrigerators (n = 50) with temperatures above and below 0ºC at selected restaurants (n = 25) located in the city of Ahvaz, Iran. Methods: Samples were collected from the surfaces of the refrigerators by using sterile swab sticks pre-moistened with sterile distilled water, and then each collected sample was plated out on Sabouraud dextrose agar medium. Finally, all fungi were counted and identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Results: According to our results, 100% of the sample refrigerators showed fungal contamination. Cladosporium sp. (42.34%) and Mucor sp. (0.06%) had the highest and the lowest frequency of fungi recovered from our research, respectively. Furthermore, the P value calculated indicated a significant correlation between refrigerators above 0ºC and refrigerators below 0ºC (P < 0.00001). Conclusions: The presence of fungi in commercial refrigerators could be an indicator of a potential source of food spoilage and food-borne diseases. Therefore increased education, and proper packaging and refrigerator management are recommended since regular cleaning of these refrigerators is important in order to prevent food-borne diseases and other health risks.

Perinatal listeriosis patients treated at a maternity hospital in Beijing, China, from 2013\u20132018

BackgroundListeriosis is a rare but severe foodborne infectious disease. Perinatal listeriosis is often associated with septicemia, central nervous system (CNS) infection, and serious adverse pregnancy outcomes (miscarriage and neonate death). Here we report the characteristics and outcomes of perinatal listeriosis cases treated over 6 years at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (BOGH), the largest maternity hospital in China.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the records of laboratory-confirmed, pregnancy-associated listeriosis cases treated from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. The clinical manifestations, laboratory results, perinatal complications and outcomes (post-natal follow-up of 6 months) were investigated.ResultsIn BOGH, 12 perinatal listeriosis cases were diagnosed based on Listeria monocytogenes positive culture, including 10 single pregnancies and 2 twin pregnancies. The corresponding incidence of pregnancy-associated listeriosis was 13.7/100,000 deliveries. Among those cases, four pregnant women and four newborns had septicemia, and two of the neonates with septicemia also suffered CNS infection. All the maternal patients recovered. Two inevitable miscarriages and four fetal stillbirths occurred. Of the eight delivered newborns, six survived, and two died within 2 days from birth. None of the survivors had neurological sequelae during a 6-month follow-up. The overall feto-neonatal fatality rate was 57.1%; notably, this rate was 100% for infections occurring during the second trimester of pregnancy and only 14.3% for those occurring in the third trimester.ConclusionsPerinatal listeriosis is associated with high feto-neonatal mortality, and thus, a public health concern. Additional large-scale studies are needed to strengthen the epidemiological understanding of listeriosis in China.

Changing climate: A ‘threat multiplier’ for foodborne and waterborne infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance

Changing climate: A ‘threat multiplier’ for foodborne and waterborne infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance

Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Zoonotic and Livestock Diseases.

Zoonotic and livestock diseases are very important globally both in terms of direct impact on human and animal health and in terms of their relationship to the livelihood of farming communities, as they affect income generation and food security and have other, indirect consequences on human lives. More than two-thirds of emerging infectious diseases in humans today are known to be of animal origin. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections that originate from animals, including hypervirulent and multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens, such as livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA), invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella of animal origin, hyperviruent Clostridium difficile, and others, are of major significance to public health. Understanding the origin, risk factors, transmission, prevention, and control of such strains has been a challenge for various reasons, particularly due to the transdisciplinary partnership between and among human, environment, and animal health sectors. MDR bacteria greatly complicate the clinical management of human infections. Food animal farms, pets in communities, and veterinary hospital environments are major sources of such infections. However, attributing such infections and pinpointing sources requires highly discriminatory molecular methods as outlined in other parts of this curated series. Genotyping methods, such as multilocus sequence typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, restriction fragment length polymorphism, and several others, have been used to decipher sources of foodborne and other zoonotic infectious diseases. In recent years, whole-genome-sequence-based approaches have been increasingly used for molecular epidemiology of diseases at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment. This part of the series highlights the major zoonotic and foodborne disease issues. *This article is part of a curated collection.

Bayesian risk assessment model of human cryptosporidiosis cases following consumption of raw Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts in the Hillsborough River system in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Cryptosporidium spp. has been associated with foodborne infectious disease outbreaks; however, it is unclear to what extent raw oyster consumption poses a risk to public health. Control of Cryptosporidium in shellfish harvest seawater in Canada is not mandatory and, despite relay/depuration processes, the parasite can remain viable in oysters for at least a month (depending on initial loads and seawater characteristics). Risks of human infection and illness from exposure to oysters contaminated with Cryptosporidium oocysts were assessed in a Bayesian framework. Two data sets were used: counts of oocysts in oysters harvested in Approved, Restricted, and Prohibited zones of the Hillsborough River system; and oocyst elimination rate from oysters exposed to oocysts in laboratory experiments. A total of 20 scenarios were assessed according to number of oysters consumed in a single serving (1, 10 and 30) and different relay times. The median probability of infection and developing cryptosporidiosis (e.g. illness) due to the consumption of raw oysters in Prince Edward Island was zero for all scenarios. However, the 95th percentiles ranged from 2% to 81% and from 1% to 59% for probability of infection and illness, respectively. When relay times were extended from 14 to 30 days and 10 oysters were consumed in one serving from the Restricted zones, these probabilities were reduced from 35% to 16% and from 15% to 7%, respectively. The 14-day relay period established by Canadian authorities for harvesting in Restricted zones seems prudent, though insufficient, as this relay period has been shown to be enough to eliminate fecal coliforms but not Cryptosporidium oocysts, which can remain viable in the oyster for over a month. Extending relay periods of 14 and 21 days for oysters harvested in Restricted zones to 30 days is likely insufficient to substantially decrease the probability of infection and illness. The highest risk was found for oysters that originated in Prohibited zones. Our findings suggest that Cryptosporidium oocysts are a potential cause of foodborne infection and illness when consuming raw oysters from Hillsborough River, one of the most important oyster production bays on Prince Edward Island. We discuss data gaps and limitations of this work in order to identify future research that can be used to reduce the uncertainties in predicted risks.

Risk factors for viral hepatitis A infection in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka: an unmatched case control study

BackgroundHepatitis A virus (HAV) is one of the commonest food and water borne infectious diseases. The objective of the study was to determine the risk factors of HAV infection in the Gampha District in Sri Lanka.MethodsThis was an unmatched case control study conducted between January 2015 and November 2016 comprising of 504 participants with a case control ratio of 1:1. The study population included individuals of age 1 year and above who were permanent residents of the district. Cases included participants admitted to four secondary care state hospitals with an acute HAV diagnosed by detecting serum anti-HAV IgM antibodies. Controls were randomly selected individuals from the community with serum negative for Anti-HAV IgM and IgG. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used for the data collection and multiple logistic regression was applied to determine the independent risk factors. The results are expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsRisk factors for HAV infection were poor knowledge regarding hepatitis (AOR;3.98, 95% CI = 1.97–8.05), unhygienic sanitary practices (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.42–5.23), unhygienic practices related to drinking water (OR = 2.67; 95% CI = 1.37–5.21), residing in urban areas (OR = 5.94; 95% CI = 2.98–11.86) and lower family income (OR = 2.83; 95% CI = 1.30–6.13).ConclusionsThe independent modifiable risk factors for HAV infection were poor knowledge regarding hepatitis, unhygienic sanitary practices, and unhygienic practices related to drinking water. Community awareness must be raised on hygienic practices and safe water drinking practices. Inequities of social determinates of health must be addressed.

S-layer protein 2 of Lactobacillus crispatus 2029, its structural and immunomodulatory characteristics and roles in protective potential of the whole bacteria against foodborne pathogens

We have previously demonstrated that human vaginal Lactobacillus crispatus 2029 (LC2029) strain is highly adhesive to cervicovaginal epithelial cells, exhibits antagonistic activity against genitourinary pathogens and expresses surface-layer protein (Slp). The aims of the present study were elucidation of Slp structural and immunomodulatory characteristics and its roles in protective properties of the whole vaginal LC2029 bacteria against foodborne pathogens. Enteric Caco-2 and colon HT-29 cell lines were used as the in vitro models of the human intestinal epithelial layer. LC2029 strain has two homologous surface-layer (S-layer) genes, slp1 and slp2. Whilst we found no evidence for the expression of slp1 under the growth conditions used, a very high level of expression of the slp2 gene was detected. C-terminal part of the amino sequence of Slp2 protein was found to be highly similar to that of the conserved C-terminal region of SlpA protein of L. crispatus Zj001 isolated from pig intestines and CbsA protein of L. crispatus JCM5810 isolated from chicken intestines, and was substantially variable at the N-terminal and middle regions. The amino acid sequence identity between SlpA and CbsA was as high as 84%, whilst the identity levels of these sequences with that of Slp2 were only 49% and 50% (respectively). LC2029 strain was found to be both acid and bile tolerant. Survival in simulated gastric and intestinal juices of LC2029 cells unable to produce Slp2 was reduced by 2–3 logs. Vaginal L. crispatus 1385 (LC1385) strain not expressing Slp was also very sensitive to gastric and intestinal stresses. Slp2 was found to be non-covalently bound to the surface of the bacterium, acting as an adhesin and facilitating interaction of LC2029 lactobacilli with the host immature or fully differentiated Caco-2 cells, as well as HT-29 cells. No toxicity to or damage of Caco-2 or HT-29 epithelial cells were detected after 24 h of colonization by LC2029 lactobacilli. Both Slp2 protein and LC2029 cells induced NF-kB activation in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, but did not induce expression of innate immunity mediators Il-8, Il-1β, and TNF-α. Slp2 and LC2029 inhibited Il-8 production in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells induced by MALP-2 and increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokine Il-6. Slp2 inhibited production of CXCL1 and RANTES by Caco-2 cells during differentiation and maturation process within 15 days. Culturing Caco-2 and HT-29 cells in the presence of Slp2 increased adhesion of bifidobacteria BLI-2780 to these enterocytes. Upon binding to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells, Slp2 protein and LC2029 lactobacilli were recognized by toll-like receptors (TLR) 2/6. It was shown that LC2029 strain is a strong co-aggregator of foodborne pathogens Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella enteritidis, and Escherichia coli O157:H used in this study. The Slp2 was responsible for the ability of LC2029 to co-aggregate these enteropathogens. Slp2 and intact LC2029 lactobacilli inhibited foodborne pathogen-induced activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 as apoptotic biomarkers in Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. In addition, Slp2 and Slp2-positive LC2029 strain reduced adhesion of tested pathogenic bacteria to Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. Slp2-positive LC2029 strain but not Slp2 alone provided bactericidal effect on foodborne pathogens. These results suggest a range of mechanisms involved in inhibition of growth, viability, and cell-adhesion properties of pathogenic Proteobacteria by the Slp2 producing LC2029, which may be useful in treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns and foodborne infectious diseases in children and adults, increasing the colonization resistance and maintaining the intestinal homeostasis.

Foodborne Illness a Dynamic, Everywhere Possible Emergency Field Today

Foodborne illness afflicts people throughout the world. The CDC defines a foodborne disease outbreak as the occurrence of two or more similar illnesses resulting from ingestion of a common food. Each year, in USA, one in 10 people experiences a foodborne illness, 128,000 are hospitalized, 3,000 die, and 33 million healthy life-years are lost. While few patients with foodborne illness present with life-threatening symptoms, there are a number of foodborne infectious diseases and toxins that the emergency physician or other health care provider must consider in the evaluation of these patients. Given the frequency of international travel, as well as the risk associated with recurrent outbreaks of foodborne illness from commercial food sources, it is important to recognize various syndromes of foodborne illness, including those, which may require specific evaluation and management strategies. Foodborne illness poses a significant public health threat to the United States. The disease is defined as any ailment associated with the ingestion of contaminated food and is most often associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting. Individuals who are aged less than 5 years or more than 60 years or who are immunocompromised are at greatest risk for acquiring a foodborne illness. The most common cause of gastroenteritis is Salmonella infection. Annually, nontyphoidal Salmonella causes 1.2 million cases of foodborne illness and 450 deaths. Most Salmonella outbreaks were attributed to seeded vegetables (6.9%), pork (4%), or vegetable row crops (1.7%). Adults older than 65 years, people with weakened immune systems, and non-breastfed infants are more likely to have severe infections. Approximately 8% of patients with nontyphoidal salmonellosis will develop bacteremia and require treatment with antibiotics, including ceftriaxone or azithromycin in children and a fluoroquinolone (commonly levofloxacin) or azithromycin in adults. The summer months (peaking in July or August) had the highest percentage of cases. The use of certain medications to reduce stomach acidity can increase the risk of Salmonella infection. The food safety systems in some countries afford better consumer protection than others. This situation, combined with differing climates and ecologies, results in the association of different types of foodborne illness with different regions of the world. In a global economy, both people and food travel the world. Clinicians need to consider foreign travel as well as the consumption of food from other parts of the world when determining the cause of foodborne disease. The key to reducing the incidence of foodborne illness is prevention. Proper food storage, refrigeration, handling, and cooking are vital. Patients should be educated to avoid high-risk items such as unpasteurized milk and milk products, as well as raw or undercooked items like oysters, meat, poultry, and eggs. The consumption of more meals in the home may also decrease the risk of foodborne illness.

Travel-Related Typhoid Fever: Narrative Review of the Scientific Literature.

Enteric fever is a foodborne infectious disease caused by Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi and Paratyphi A, B and C. The high incidence in low income countries can increase the risk of disease in travelers coming from high income countries. Pre-travel health advice on hygiene and sanitation practices and vaccines can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring infections. Although the majority of the cases are self-limiting, life-threatening complications can occur. Delayed diagnosis and cases of infections caused by multi-drug resistant strains can complicate the clinical management and affect the prognosis. More international efforts are needed to reduce the burden of disease in low income countries, indirectly reducing the risk of travelers in endemic settings. Surveillance activities can help monitor the epidemiology of cases caused by drug-susceptible and resistant strains.

Microbiological safety of marine products (seafood)

Recently more and more evidence appears, proving that seafood consumers should be referred to risk group in which outbreaks of viral food poisoning and foodborne infectious diseases occurs, transmitted by food route. There are several reasons to refer seafood to a category of epidemiologically non-safe products: high microbial pollution of adjacent seas with sewage waters; many non-fish hydrocoles are natural filter feeding animals, which are infected by viruses in the process of vital activity, passing through their organism water and food particles; sufficient viruses stability in external environment, enabling them to remain intact outside of host organism during of prolong time interval. Total rate of viral material detection in seafood samples may reach ~ 10 %. The authors by means of expertise determined virological effect of thermal seafood treatment used in housekeeping conditions and at public catering establishments for preparing mostly widespread dishes. In this paper a conclusion is made, that the use of seafood for preparing dishes, which technology does not consider sufficiently efficient in respect to viruses thermal treatment, shall include preliminary virologic survey of stuff for excluding viral pathogens and for provision safety of the corresponding food products.

Mortality and Causes of Death in Late 19th-Century Trondheim, Norway (with Reference to Parish Registers Analysis)

This article provides detailed analysis of mortality in Trondheim, the third largest city in Norway in the second half of the nineteenth century. Referring to individual-level causes of death available in burial registers from Trondheim, this study provides an in-depth analysis of reporting practices and trends in cause of death registration and changes in a city that witnessed increasing urbanisation and industrialisation. Having studied the history of causes of death registration in Norway, the authors analyse the accuracy of recording practices performed by priests and age-specific profiles of individual death causes. The coding and classification system employed by the authors includes 141 categories following the etiology or mode of infection and transmission. To facilitate the analysis, all the entries found in records, both the ones that indicate the causes of death of the inhabitants of Trondheim and fail to do so, are divided into six major groups, i.e. infectious diseases; non-infectious diseases; external causes; older rationals; ill-defined, and not reported (blank). Treated critically, the data generates interesting insights into the epidemiological history of a period where cause of death statistics from doctors was still scarce in most of the country. The analysis demonstrates that in the second half of the nineteenth century, airborne infectious diseases dominated the disease environment in Trondheim. Airborne diseases were particularly common in children aged one to four, accounting for 60 percent of the total of deaths among children of the age group. As for foodborne infectious diseases, such as diarrhoea and dysentery, the study indicates that the water pipes which started being used as early as the 1850s and from 1880 also appeared inside houses, had a certain effect, in addition to the top priority of personal hygiene addressed by the city’s Health Commission. Moreover, the cause of death classification related to ‘older rationales’ had a clear clustering both among the elderly and children.

Actual problems of the microbiological safety of food products

Food-borne infectious diseases remain an actual problem of health care. In the Republic of Belarus the level of food-borne diseases persists to be stable, at the same time these diseases remain to be significant. Despite the insignificant number of nonconforming food samples the prevalence rates of food-borne acute infectious diseases of various etiology with dominantly food transmission pathway remain to be rather high. The mentioned fact determines the need for the development of approaches on the security of microbiological food safety based on the risk analysis. There are determined criteria for a hygienic assessment of the microbiological hazards (associated with the pathogen, food products and a consumer health state), there is presented the classification offood products in dependence on the grade of microbiological risk. There was performed the comparative analysis of requirements for the microbiological safety of food accepted in the Republic of Belarus and European Economic Union, in the European Union and at the international level, which testify to the presence of separate differences. Based on the international approaches there was substantiated the multilevel control system of management of microbiological risks, there is reported the characteristic of separate criteria. There are determined the directions of the improvement of the security of microbiological safety of food.

Retrospective Study of Listeria Monocytogenes Isolated in the Territory of Inner Eurasia from 1947 to 1999.

Listeriosis is one of the most significant humans and animals foodborne infectious diseases. Here, we characterized 48 Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated in the territory of inner Eurasia during the second half of the 20th century. A total of 23 strains (52.3%) were susceptible to the nine antibiotics tested, 30.43%, 15.22%, and 8.7% were resistant penicillin G, ampicillin, and enrofloxacin, respectively. We applied the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme to determine the phylogenetic positions of the strains. All but one strain belonged to the II phylogenetic lineage, and the majority of the strains belonged to one of the previously described clonal complexes (CCs). More than 60% of the strains belonged to the clonal complex CC7 that prevailed among all sources, including cattle (58%), small ruminants (64%), rodents (71%), and humans (50%). Further, CC7, CC101, and CC124 were found among human isolates. The MLST scheme was supplemented with virulence gene analysis. In total, eight inlA, six inlB, and six inlC allelic variants were found, and all but one strain carried one of the two inlE alleles. Most strains (62.5%) belonged to the same multivirulence locus sequence typing (MvLST) type, which includes CC7, inlA allele 4, inlB allele 14, inlC allele 6, and inlE allele 8.

Advances in foodborne outbreak investigation and source tracking using whole genome sequencing

The progress in sequencing technology has revolutionized the fields of public health and food microbiology. Today, whole genome sequencing allows high-throughput analysis of entire bacterial genomes at affordable costs. Whole genome sequencing has become a daily routine process for surveillance of foodborne infectious diseases, outbreak investigation, and pathogen source tracking. Several studies on a variety of bacterial species have shown that whole genome sequence-based typing approaches are currently the most powerful typing tools. Whole genome sequencing allows the extraction of information on phylogenetic relatedness, antibiotic resistance, virulence-traits, serotype and multilocus sequence type of an isolate from a single analysis. The optimal typing resolution achievable by whole genome sequencing makes it possible to monitor even small genetic variations occurring in an outbreak strain during the course of an outbreak, making transmission events traceable. Whole genome sequencing allowed the creation of global databases based on standardized nomenclatures like the current multilocus sequence type databases. The benefit of global databases is the international exchange of data as a prerequisite for cross border outbreak investigation, strain tracking, and source identification in the global food chain. With further technological advancement, metagenomic approaches may provide future solutions, allowing complete pathogen detection and characterization directly from specimens.