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A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
Published on: November 7, 2018
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[Food borne infectious outbreaks, Austria 2005]
Peter Much1, Juliane Pichler, Franz Allerberger
1Osterreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit, Kompetenzzentrum Infektionsepidemiologie, Wien, Austria. Peter.Much@ages.at
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|April 12, 2007
Summary
In 2005, Austria reported 606 foodborne outbreaks, primarily caused by Salmonella and Campylobacter. Most outbreaks were domestically acquired, with eggs and meat products as common sources, highlighting the need for improved epidemiological investigation.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness surveillance
- Microbial food safety
- Epidemiology
Context:
- In 2005, Austria documented 606 foodborne outbreaks affecting 1,910 individuals.
- Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. were the predominant pathogens, responsible for 99% of outbreaks.
- A significant portion of outbreaks (8%) were acquired internationally.
Purpose:
- To analyze the epidemiology of foodborne outbreaks in Austria in 2005.
- To identify common pathogens, sources, and locations of exposure.
- To assess the effectiveness of current outbreak investigation methods.
Summary:
- Bacteria caused the vast majority of the 560 domestically acquired outbreaks, with Salmonella (76%) and Campylobacter (23%) being the most frequent. Eggs (57%) and meat products (30%) were the leading sources.
- Hospitalization rates for Salmonella and Campylobacter infections were 20% and 16%, respectively. Norovirus caused one outbreak affecting 22 people.
- The study noted a high proportion of family outbreaks (89%), suggesting potential underreporting and the need for enhanced epidemiological investigation to link smaller clusters.
Impact:
- Provides crucial data for public health authorities in Austria to develop targeted food safety interventions.
- Highlights specific high-risk food categories (eggs, meat) and pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter) for focused prevention efforts.
- Underscores the importance of robust epidemiological surveillance systems for accurate foodborne disease burden assessment.
