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Campylobacter enteritis associated with consumption of unpasteurised milk
British Medical Journal
|May 5, 1979
Summary
Two outbreaks of enteritis were linked to thermophilic Campylobacter contamination in unpasteurised milk. Faecal contamination of milk from infected cattle likely caused these outbreaks, highlighting risks of raw milk consumption.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Two enteritis outbreaks occurred in Northern England in 1978.
- Symptoms were generally mild, not requiring hospitalization.
- Thermophilic Campylobacter species were identified in patient fecal samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the enteritis outbreaks.
- To identify the source of Campylobacter contamination.
- To assess the role of unpasteurised milk in disease transmission.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of patient cases and milk consumption.
- Microbiological analysis of fecal specimens from patients.
- Microbiological analysis of rectal swabs from cattle and milk socks.
Main Results:
- Thermophilic Campylobacter species were isolated from patients, cattle, and milk socks.
- Campylobacter strains from patients and milk sources were indistinguishable.
- All affected individuals reported consuming unpasteurised milk from local farms.
Conclusions:
- Faecal contamination of unpasteurised milk by Campylobacter from cattle is the probable cause of the outbreaks.
- Thermophilic Campylobacter is an occasional contaminant of milk.
- Continued distribution of unpasteurised milk poses a risk for future outbreaks.