Outbreak of Campylobacteriosis at a Senior Center

Winquist, Andrea; Roome, Aaron; Mshar, Roger; Fiorentino, Terry; Mshar, P.; Hadler, James L.

doi:10.1046/j.1532-5415.2001.4930304.x

Cited by 19 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Although there are suggestions that higher rates of foodborne outbreak reporting in Australian ACFs may relate to more intensive investigation practices (Kirk et al, 2012), our study shows a high proportion of these outbreaks lack evidence of foodborne transmission. Aged care is a challenging environment for investigations, with attempts to interview residents or retrospectively examine documentation leading to inconclusive findings (Winquist et al, 2001). Our study shows food and environmental samples collected during outbreak investigations rarely result in Campylobacter spp.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Characteristics of Campylobacter Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Australia, 2001 to 2016

Moffatt

Fearnley

Bell

et al. 2020

Foodborne Pathogens and Disease

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Campylobacter spp. are a globally important cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, with Australia experiencing higher rates of illness than many comparable high-income countries. Despite the high disease incidence, outbreaks of campylobacteriosis in Australia are infrequently detected and reported. We examined the epidemiology of Campylobacter outbreaks in Australia, with particular emphasis on assessing transmission routes and evidence as reported during public health investigations. A national register of enteric and foodborne disease outbreaks was used to summarize data on all Campylobacter outbreaks reported in Australia between 2001 and 2016. Outbreak data were reviewed and analyzed for trends over time. Additional information was sought from state and territory epidemiologists, to validate transmission routes. A total of 84 Campylobacter outbreaks were reported, with 51 (61%) being classified as foodborne. Specific food vehicles were identified for 33 (65%) outbreaks, with 28 (85%) implicating chicken or chicken-containing dishes. Although no increase in the proportion of foodborne Campylobacter outbreaks was observed, examination of specific food vehicles demonstrated a significant increase in outbreaks because of poultry-liver containing foods (p = 0.04). One quarter of all 1042 outbreak-associated cases occurred in aged-care facilities (ACFs), including 17 associated hospitalizations and three deaths. After review of evidence data, 23 outbreaks (27%) were determined to have an unknown route of transmission, including 10 (43%) outbreaks occurring in ACFs. Campylobacter spp. remain a less commonly reported cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in Australia. Although many reported outbreaks can be linked to foodborne transmission, over a quarter were unable to identify either a food vehicle or transmission source, particularly for outbreaks occurring in aged care. Increased efforts to improve evidence collection and understanding of transmission dynamics for outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, particularly in aged care, are required.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 81%

Characteristics of Campylobacter Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Australia, 2001 to 2016

Moffatt

Fearnley

Bell

et al. 2020

Foodborne Pathogens and Disease

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“…Although the food code addresses some causes of foodborne illnesses in nursing homes, food-handling errors made by food service workers are difficult to control. Illnesses have resulted in nursing homes and senior centers from cross-contamination of ready-to-eat foods with raw meats [62,63]. Infected food workers also transmit foodborne pathogens, particularly pathogens with a low infectious dose, such as noroviruses [64,65].…”

Section: Pathogens Of Special Importance To Elderly Persons As Evidementioning

confidence: 99%

Food Safety Guidance for Older Adults

Kendall

Hillers

Medeiros

2006

Clinical Infectious Diseases

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Aging is associated with loss of the physical barriers and immune efficiency that typically control pathogens' access to and multiplication within the body, thus making infection more likely in elderly persons. Chronic diseases and other health factors, such as malnutrition and immobility, may increase susceptibility to and severity of infections, including foodborne illnesses, in elderly persons, as well as associated morbidity and mortality. Prevention is the best way to avoid foodborne illnesses, but older adults have long-established food preparation and handling practices, some of which may increase the likelihood of illness. Elderly persons rely on physicians as trusted sources of health information. Physicians and other health care professionals can help prevent and control foodborne diseases by educating their patients about the risks of foodborne illness, providing sound advice on safe food-handling and consumption practices, making rapid appropriate diagnoses, and reporting cases promptly to public health authorities.

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“…Viral gastroenteritis (caused by rotavirus, enteroviruses, or noroviruses), 99,100 bacterial gastroenteritis (caused by Clostridium difficile, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Camplylobacter spp, C perfringens, or Salmonella spp), and parasites (such as Giardia lambia) are well-known causes of diarrhea outbreaks in LTCFs. [101][102][103][104][105][106] The elderly are at increased risk of infectious gastroenteritis due to age-related decrease in gastric acid. In a population with a high prevalence of incontinence, the risk of cross infection is substantial.…”

Section: Other Infectionsmentioning

confidence: 99%