Foodborne Outbreak of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamase Producing Shigella sonnei Associated with Contaminated Spring Onions in the United Kingdom

Jenkins, Claire; Griffith, Philippa; Hoban, Anne; Brown, Clark E.; Garner, Joanna K.; Bardsley, Megan; Willis, Caroline; Jørgensen, Frieda; Bird, Matthew T.; Greig, David R.; Edmunds, Matt; Beck, Charles R.; Larkins, Lesley

doi:10.1016/j.jfp.2023.100074

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…We are not aware of any food-contaminated products found in Europe which could be related to this outbreak. However, in the same period of time the UK had an outbreak with Shigella sonnei where spring onions originating from the same producer in Egypt were the suspected source [25].…”

Section: International Communication and Further Actionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imported spring onions related to the first recorded outbreak of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli in Denmark, November to December 2021

et al. 2023

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Between November and December 2021, the first ever recorded outbreak of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli in Denmark occurred at national scale. We describe the investigation of this outbreak, which was initially recognised in early December 2021. A total of 88 cases (58 female; 30 male) with a median age of 52 years (range: 0–91) were detected by PCR-based diagnostic methods. Case ascertainment was complicated by current culture-free diagnostic procedures, with only 34 cases confirmed by culture, serotyping and whole genome sequencing. Isolates from cases grouped into two serotypes (O136:H7 and O96:H19), which was supported by whole-genome-sequence-phylogeny, also yielding two clusters. Interviews of 42 cases and traceback investigation pointed towards consumption of ready-to-eat salads as the outbreak cause. While the ready-to-eat salads comprised different vegetables, imported spring onions were the only common ingredient and thus the likely source. Environmental investigations failed to recover outbreak strains. This report highlights the value of fast typing (here O-typing) to confirm cases in an outbreak situation. Timely communication and data sharing are also important, and were facilitated by the national collaboration between relevant laboratories, the public health institute and the veterinary and food administration. High hygiene standards for imported fresh vegetables intended for ready-to-eat products are essential.

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Section: International Communication and Further Actionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Imported spring onions related to the first recorded outbreak of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli in Denmark, November to December 2021

et al. 2023

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“…There has been a surge in bacterial outbreaks occurring worldwide. 1 These pathogenic bacteria, which induce diseases with high morbidity and mortality rates, have emerged as prominent hazards to food safety and a menace to human well-being. 2 Moreover, the escalating antibiotic resistance issue, driven by many species-specific mechanisms, poses an impending challenge to disease management efficiency over time.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%