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Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
Published on: August 19, 2021
Drastic decrease of Salmonella Enteritidis isolated from humans in Belgium in 2005, shift in phage types and
J M Collard1, S Bertrand, K Dierick
1National Reference Center for Salmonella and Shigella, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Brussels, Belgium. j.collard@iph.fgov.be
Epidemiology and Infection
|July 25, 2007
Summary
Belgium saw a significant drop in Salmonella Enteritidis infections in 2005, likely due to a vaccination program in layer flocks. This study examines the epidemiology of human salmonellosis and the impact of this public health intervention.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness epidemiology
- Microbial disease surveillance
- Public health interventions
Background:
- Non-typhoidal salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are leading foodborne illnesses in Belgium.
- Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) cases peaked in 1999, with a notable increase in 2003.
- Phage type PT4 was historically dominant, but PT21 emerged as most prevalent in 2005.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and trends of human salmonellosis in Belgium.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a vaccination program in layer flocks on reducing S. Enteritidis infections.
- To assess the program's impact on foodborne outbreaks caused by S. Enteritidis.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological analysis of human salmonellosis data in Belgium.
- Comparison of Salmonella Enteritidis infection rates before and after the vaccination program implementation.
- Tracking of phage types and serotypes of Salmonella isolates.
Main Results:
- A 71% decrease in S. Enteritidis infections was observed in 2005 compared to the 2000-2004 average.
- Overall salmonellosis cases showed a gradual decline post-1999, barring an increase in 2003.
- Phage type PT21 surpassed PT4 in prevalence in 2005.
Conclusions:
- The vaccination program in Belgian layer flocks appears to have significantly contributed to the decline of Salmonella Enteritidis infections.
- Public health interventions targeting animal populations can effectively reduce the incidence of human foodborne diseases.
- Continued surveillance is crucial for monitoring trends and the impact of control measures against foodborne pathogens.
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