| Salmonella enterica outbreak in a banqueting hall in Jerusalem: the unseen hand of the epidemiological triangle? | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19432037 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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BACKGROUND: Foodborne Salmonella enterica outbreaks constitute both a threat to public health and an economic burden worldwide. OBJECTIVES: To characterize the pathogen(s) involved and possible source of infection of an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis in a banqueting hall in Jerusalem. METHODS: We conducted interviews of guests and employees of the banqueting hall, and analyzed food items, samples from work surfaces and stool cultures. RESULTS: Of 770 persons participating in three events on 3 consecutive days at a single banqueting hall, 124 were interviewed and 75 reported symptoms. Salmonella enterica, serovar Enteritidis, phage type C-8, was isolated from 10 stool cultures (eight guests, one symptomatic employee and one asymptomatic employee) and a sample of a mayonnaise-based egg salad. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of the isolates revealed an identical pattern in the outbreak isolates, different from SE C-8 controls. A culture-positive asymptomatic employee was linked to all three events. After a closure order, allowing for cleaning of the banqueting hall, revision of food preparation procedures and staff instruction on hygiene, the banqueting hall was reopened with no subsequent outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS: It is often difficult to pinpoint the source of infection in S. enterica outbreaks. Using molecular subtyping methods, a link was confirmed between patients, a food handler (presumably a carrier) and a food item--all showing an identical specific Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. Testing asymptomatic as well as symptomatic food handlers in outbreak investigations is imperative. Pre- and post-hiring screening might be considered as preventive measures; hygiene and sanitation education are essential. |
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Authors:
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Chen Stein-Zamir; Esther Tallen-Gozani; Nitza Abramson; Hanna Shoob; Ruth Yishai; Vered Agmon; Avi Reisfeld; Lea Valinsky; Esther Marva |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article |
Journal Detail:
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Title: The Israel Medical Association journal : IMAJ Volume: 11 ISSN: 1565-1088 ISO Abbreviation: Isr. Med. Assoc. J. Publication Date: 2009 Feb |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-05-12 Completed Date: 2009-05-28 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 100930740 Medline TA: Isr Med Assoc J Country: Israel |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 94-7 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Jerusalem District Health Office, Jerusalem, Ministry of Health, Israel. chen.zamir@lbjr.health.gov.il |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Adolescent Adult Aged Child Child, Preschool Cohort Studies Disease Outbreaks* Female Food Contamination / prevention & control Food Handling Food Services Gastroenteritis / microbiology* Humans Infant Israel Male Middle Aged Salmonella Food Poisoning / diagnosis*, epidemiology*, prevention & control Salmonella enterica* Young Adult |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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