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Outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium Sequence Type 34 linked to chocolate products
Sejal Lund1, Maliha Tahir2, Laiba Imran Vohra3
1Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abstract:
As of 3rd June 2022, 445 cases of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type 34 infection had been reported globally. The outbreak was caused by two novel strains of monophasic S. Typhimurium with unusual multi-drug resistance. The majority of these cases involved children aged 10 or younger, and they had a hospitalization rate higher than most previous outbreaks of monophasic S. Typhimurium, but no fatalities were recorded. The infection was traced to certain Belgian chocolate products after extensive microbiological and epidemiological research. Public health officials took immediate action to recall all the contaminated products, and the risk of exposure was reduced. The common symptoms are bloody diarrhea, acute onset of fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. This article aims to thoroughly review the recent outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium ST-34, including its epidemiology and comparison with ongoing outbreaks. We also highlighted past chocolate-related salmonella outbreaks and current control and prevention guidelines and recommendations.
Insights
A global outbreak of multi-drug resistant monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium ST-34 infected 445 people, primarily children, linked to Belgian chocolate. Prompt recalls mitigated further exposure, with no fatalities reported.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- An international outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type 34 (ST-34) emerged, characterized by novel, multi-drug resistant strains.
- The outbreak predominantly affected children under 10, with a higher hospitalization rate compared to previous monophasic S. Typhimurium events, though no deaths occurred.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of the recent monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium ST-34 outbreak.
- To compare this outbreak with other ongoing Salmonella incidents.
- To examine historical chocolate-associated Salmonella outbreaks and outline current prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological analysis to identify causative agents.
- Epidemiological investigations to trace the source of infection.
- Review of global case data and public health responses.
Main Results:
- 445 global cases of monophasic S. Typhimurium ST-34 infection were reported by June 3, 2022.
- The outbreak was linked to specific Belgian chocolate products.
- Contaminated products were recalled, reducing public health risk.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak highlights the emergence of multi-drug resistant Salmonella strains in food products.
- Swift public health interventions, including product recalls, are crucial for controlling foodborne outbreaks.
- Understanding past outbreaks and implementing robust prevention guidelines are essential for mitigating future risks.
