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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:56
Influenza Virus Propagation in Embryonated Chicken Eggs
Published on: March 19, 2015
Salmonella enteritidis gastroenteritis transmitted by intact chicken eggs
B Mishu1, P M Griffin, R V Tauxe
1Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|August 1, 1991
Summary
A large Salmonella Enteritidis gastroenteritis outbreak in Tennessee was linked to eggs from an Indiana farm. This highlights the spread of Salmonella Enteritidis beyond its typical geographic focus.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness epidemiology
- Bacteriology
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) gastroenteritis is a significant public health concern.
- Outbreaks are often geographically concentrated, but evidence suggests wider dissemination.
- Understanding outbreak sources is crucial for effective control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the source of a substantial S. Enteritidis gastroenteritis outbreak in Tennessee.
- To assess the clinical significance of this outbreak.
- To determine if the outbreak was linked to the ongoing S. Enteritidis pandemic.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted in a Tennessee community.
- Tracing of egg sources was performed, leading to a layer farm in Indiana.
- Epidemiological data and microbiological analysis were used to link cases to the source.
Main Results:
- A strong association was found between illness and consumption of egg-containing sauces (Hollandaise, bernaise) at a local restaurant.
- Salmonella Enteritidis was isolated from chickens and the farm environment in Indiana.
- Molecular analysis confirmed indistinguishable S. Enteritidis strains from the farm and patients.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak demonstrated a direct link between infected poultry flocks and human S. Enteritidis gastroenteritis.
- Salmonella Enteritidis infections represent a growing public health problem spreading beyond the northeastern United States.
- This study underscores the importance of investigating foodborne outbreaks even when they occur outside known endemic areas.
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