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Staphylococcal food poisoning from infected snoek
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|November 19, 1977
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus in snoek caused food poisoning in two individuals. High bacterial counts in fish from patients and the butcher indicated contamination before retail, exacerbated by post-processing mishandling.
Area of Science:
- Food safety microbiology
- Bacterial foodborne illness
Background:
- Food poisoning outbreaks require identification of causative agents and sources.
- Snoek, a type of fish, can be a vehicle for foodborne pathogens.
Observation:
- Two food poisoning cases in Bloemfontein were linked to snoek consumption.
- Patients' symptoms and snoek cultures identified Staphylococcus aureus.
Findings:
- Selective procedures enumerated Staphylococcus aureus at 200,000 CFU/g in implicated snoek.
- High contamination levels were present in snoek from both patients and the supplying butchery.
Implications:
- Snoek was heavily contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus prior to reaching the butchery.
- Post-processing mishandling contributed to bacterial growth and potential illness.