[Epidemiological surveillance of bacterial agents causing foodborne diseases in northern Chile, 2016-2022]

To describe the bacteria reported in matrices related to foodborne diseases (FBDs) in the Tarapacá region (Chile).

A descriptive study was conducted on the total number of notifications reported by the surveillance system in Tarapacá from 2016 to 2022. The analyzed variables included the causative bacteria, the implicated food, the surveillance program, and the temporal distribution of the reported bacteria during this period.

During the analyzed period, 184 strains of different bacteria (Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus cereus) were reported. Meat products and prepared dishes, together with seafood products, were the most frequently detected with bacterial contamination. The regional food surveillance program reported all the aforementioned bacteria and had the highest number of notifications, followed by imports. More bacteria were reported in food than in water. 2019 had the highest number of reported bacteria (68 strains). Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus were reported every year. Salmonella spp. and Vibrio parahaemolyticus had the highest number of notifications, 34.8% and 22.8%, respectively. During the period analyzed 184 strains of different bacteria (Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Bacillus cereus) were reported. Meat products and prepared dishes, together with fishery products, contain the most bacterial detections. The regional food surveillance program has reported all the above-mentioned bacteria and has the most notifications, followed by imports. More bacteria were reported in food than in water. The year 2019 had the highest number of bacteria reported (68 strains). Salmonella spp and Staphylococcus aureus were the bacteria reported every year. Salmonella spp and Vibrio parahemolyticus had the highest number of notifications, with 34.8% and 22.8%, respectively.

The information obtained through active transparency from the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Health of Tarapacá and the Public Health Institute allowed for the identification of the most prevalent and frequent bacteria. It was also determined that the regional and import surveillance programs need to be strengthened, and that meat products, along with seafood products, require closer monitoring.