Discovery of Enteric Pathogens in the Alaskan Subsistence Diet

Abstract

Objectives Transmission of enteric pathogens from food ingestion is an ongoing public health concern, with commensal bacteria in ruminant animal species causing human disease. Enteric pathogens Salmonella, Shigella, and Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) have been isolated from domesticated animals. However, the Alaskan subsistence diet relies on wild game, such as reindeer, caribou, and moose for their food supply. Research concerning enteric pathogens in wildlife has not established. Therefore, we conducted a pilot survey on moose and reindeer to determine potential enteric pathogen transfer risk. Methods Between July 2018 and January 2019, we collected 72 fecal samples from reindeer and moose migrating in Fairbanks, Anchorage, and the Matanuska Valley. Samples were cultured for enteric pathogens, including E coli 0157, using standard clinical microbial process. Phenotypic Shiga toxin production was verified by enzyme immunoassay. Results Reindeer were statistically significant for enteric pathogens when compared to moose (P < .05) Eighty percent of the reindeer population were colonized for either Shigella, Yersinia, or Shiga toxin-producing E coli, with 20% positive for multiple pathogens. Non-0157 Shiga toxin production was observed in 30% of reindeer samples, generated by a sorbitol fermenting E coli. In contrast, moose population showed a near absence of enteric pathogens with only 5% positive for Shigella. Salmonella was not identified in either animal. Conclusion Reindeer, moose, and caribou meat are prominent in the Alaskan subsistence diet. Although moose had limited enteric pathogen colonization, reindeer were significant for transmission risk, including non-0157 Shiga toxin producing E coli, which has been linked to hemolytic uremic syndrome. Isolation of a non-0157 STEC in wildlife indicates environmental colonization. Because reindeer and caribou are closely linked in diet and migration, Alaska clinical laboratories should screen for enteric pathogens, including non-0157 Shiga toxins.