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Salmonella enteritidis PT6: another egg-associated salmonellosis?
M R Evans1, W Lane, C D Ribeiro
1Bro Taf Health Authority, Cardiff, United Kingdom. meirion.evans@bro-taf-ha.wales.nhs.uk
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 29, 1998
Summary
Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 6 (PT6) infections rose sharply in the UK. Evidence suggests a link between PT6 and eggs, highlighting issues in food supply chain investigations.
Area of Science:
- Foodborne illness epidemiology
- Microbial contamination
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 6 (PT6) showed a significant increase in the United Kingdom in 1997.
- The rapid rise indicated widespread contamination of a common food source, but the origin and vehicle were unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential link between Salmonella Enteritidis PT6 and eggs.
- To highlight challenges in tracing foodborne illness outbreaks due to supply chain documentation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three distinct outbreaks.
- Review of public health investigation challenges.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a possible association between Salmonella Enteritidis PT6 and egg consumption.
- Inadequate documentation of the egg supply chain complicated outbreak investigations.
Conclusions:
- Eggs are a potential vehicle for Salmonella Enteritidis PT6 transmission.
- Improved documentation and further studies, including case-control investigations, are necessary to confirm the cause of PT6 infections and prevent future outbreaks.