Decreased Incidence of Infections Caused by Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2017-2020.

Foodborne illnesses are a substantial and largely preventable public health problem; before 2020 the incidence of most infections transmitted commonly through food had not declined for many years. To evaluate progress toward prevention of foodborne illnesses in the United States, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) of CDC's Emerging Infections Program monitors the incidence of laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by eight pathogens transmitted commonly through food reported by 10 U.S. sites.* FoodNet is a collaboration among CDC, 10 state health departments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), and the Food and Drug Administration. This report summarizes preliminary 2020 data and describes changes in incidence with those during 2017-2019. During 2020, observed incidences of infections caused by enteric pathogens decreased 26% compared with 2017-2019; infections associated with international travel decreased markedly. The extent to which these reductions reflect actual decreases in illness or decreases in case detection is unknown. On March 13, 2020, the United States declared a national emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. After the declaration, state and local officials implemented stay-at-home orders, restaurant closures, school and child care center closures, and other public health interventions to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (1). Federal travel restrictions were declared (1). These widespread interventions as well as other changes to daily life and hygiene behaviors, including increased handwashing, have likely changed exposures to foodborne pathogens. Other factors, such as changes in health care delivery, health care-seeking behaviors, and laboratory testing practices, might have decreased the detection of enteric infections. As the pandemic continues, surveillance of illness combined with data from other sources might help to elucidate the factors that led to the large changes in 2020; this understanding could lead to improved strategies to prevent illness. To reduce the incidence of these infections concerted efforts are needed, from farm to processing plant to restaurants and homes. Consumers can reduce their risk of foodborne illness by following safe food-handling and preparation recommendations.

Semi-quantitative food safety risk profile of the Australian red meat industry.

In 2017-18, the Australian red meat (beef, sheep and goat species) industry generated more than $AUD 13 billion in export trade alone and is therefore of substantial importance to the Australian GDP. With both relatively high amounts of domestic red meat consumption and dependence on international markets, food safety risk is constantly reassessed so as to maintain a resilient industry sector. The current study aimed to conduct a food safety risk rating for the Australian red meat industry. In 2002, a food safety risk profile was developed for the Australian red meat industry. It included raw and processed meat products of cattle, sheep and goats and considered microbiological, chemical and physical hazards. The current risk rating was undertaken during 2017 and 2018. The first step was to conduct a hazard characterization, which involved a review of literature and data on foodborne outbreaks, pathogen surveillance and product recalls, and an expert elicitation process with 15 Australian food safety experts. This process identified the Hazard:Product:Process combinations to be considered and the likelihood of contamination at the point of consumption. These likelihood ratings were then combined with hazard severity ratings to qualitatively estimate the relative risk posed by each combination. Combinations with a moderate-to-high risk were included in the semi-quantitative risk rating using Risk Ranger v2, a tool that allows an estimation of the public health risk of hazard: product combinations and a ranking of this risk. The Risk Ranger tool provides a risk ranking (RR), ranging from 0 (no risk) to 100 (every member of the population eats a meal that contains a lethal dose of the hazard every day). STEC E. coli O157 (RR 35-39) and Salmonella spp. (RR 33-37) in undercooked hamburgers and Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat products (RR 35-38) were combinations which had the highest (moderate) risk for the general and susceptible populations. In addition, Toxoplasma gondii in undercooked lamb was identified as posing a high risk among pregnant women (RR 49). The study provides an updated food safety risk profile for the Australian red meat industry which, considering the available information, suggests red meat products do not pose a high food safety risk. The methodology developed in this study provides an easy to implement approach to profile and prioritise food safety risk and relies on data that can generated in most situations.

Current situation of human Taenia asiatica taeniosis in Japan.

This report describes 33 confirmed cases of "Taenia asiatica" taeniosis in Tokyo, Japan, and six adjacent prefectures between 2010 and 2019. Of the 33 cases, 28 were domestic infections. Thirty patients had histories of eating raw pork and/or beef liver. It was highly suspected that the sources of infection were foreigners from T. asiatica-endemic countries who had worked on pig farms in these prefectures. We postulated that the rate of domestic infection has decreased as a result of legal regulations that have banned the serving of raw and undercooked pig and cattle viscera in restaurants in Japan. Haplotype analyses of genetic markers revealed that "T. asiatica" in Japan are the descendants of hybrids of T. asiatica and Taenia saginata that originated from the Philippines and/or Taiwan. It is critical that close attention continues to be paid to domestic recurrences and imported cases of T. asiatica taeniosis, with the goal of communicating information on risk factors for this infection to consumers, pig farmers, restaurant owners, physicians, and visitors coming to Japan.

The occurrence and clinical importance of infectious stage of Echinocephalus (Nematoda: Gnathostomidae) larvae in selected Australian edible fish.

Cases of gnathostomiasis, an infection caused by consuming infected seafood, have been reported in Australia. However, doubt exists over the validity of these diagnoses as there are no reports of Gnathostoma spp. in Australian teleost fish. Also, the diagnoses in human cases were based on a serological test developed in Thailand. The specificity and sensitivity of this test in non-endemic areas are uncertain. Interestingly, parasites belonging to the genus Echinocephalus, which morphologically are very similar to Gnathostomum, are commonly found in Australian fish and shellfish and can potentially infect humans. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of these zoonotic nematodes within commercial fish and to characterise nematode larvae in order to provide insights into the specific identity of the potential causative agents of gnathostomiasis in Australia. Six edible fish species (n = 163) were examined. Gnathostomid-type larvae were found only in Acanthopagrus australis and Rhabdosargus sarba. Detailed examination and sequence data suggested parasite larvae belonged to the genus Echinocephalus. Further investigation of the occurrence of zoonotic nematodes within marine environments and observation of their spatial and temporal patterns will help raise awareness of the significance of this food safety issue within global fishing industries and health sectors. The accurate identification of zoonotic nematodes is a key component of disease surveillance and control. This information can also be used to develop specific and sensitive diagnostic test.

[Investigation of Anisakis infections in market-available marine fish in Dongtai City].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the situation of Anisakis infection of in market-available marine fish in Dongtai City, so as to provide the evidence for the assessment of the risk of human Anisakis infections. METHODS: Raw and fresh marine fish caught in the sea of Dongtai City for sale were collected in 2018. The fish were weighted and dissected for the identification of Anisakis, and the prevalence and intensity of Anisakis infections were calculated. In addition, the correlation between the weight of Anisakis-infected marine fish and the infection intensity of Anisakis was examined. RESULTS: There were four species of marine fish infected with Anisakis, including Trichiurus haumela, Scomberomorus niphonius, Pneumatophorus japonicus and Larimichthys polyactis. Among the 149 fish samples, there were 78 with Anisakis infections, with a prevalence rate of 52.35%. The prevalence of Anisakis infection was 100.00% (28/28), 30.00% (9/30), 0 (0/30), 53.33% (16/30) and 80.65% (25/31) in T. haumela, S. niphonius, cuttle fish, P. japonicus and L. polyactis, respectively. A total of 1 049 Anisakis worms were collected, and the overall intensity of infection was 13.45 worms per fish. Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the weight of T. haumela and the intensity of Anisakis infection (rs = 0.38, P = 0.047), and no correlation was found in other fish species. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high rate of Anisakis infection in marine fish along the offshore areas of Dongtai City. Intensification of health education is required and healthy and safe dietary habits are encouranged.

A review on Trichinella infection in South America.

Trichinella spp. causes human trichinellosis by means of the consumption of raw or inadequately treated meat from domestic or game animals. In the Americas, as well as in other continents, Trichinella infection is a health issue for humans and has a negative impact on the pork meat market, generated by people's fear of becoming infected with the parasite. The distribution of human cases and the sources of this disease in humans and animals were analysed in this report, which summarizes the information available regarding Trichinella infection in animals and humans in South America. Within South America, human infection with Trichinella was documented in Argentina and Chile during the period 2005-2019. Trichinellosis is endemic in these countries for, with human cases and foci in domestic and wild animals. In Argentina, human cases occur throughout the country, with foci found in pigs and wild animals. In Argentina, during the period 2012-2018, the number of suspected human cases reached 6,662. T. spiralis was identified in one South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) from Patagonia, Argentina, for the first time in the region in 2018. In Chile, 258 human cases of trichinellosis were confirmed during the period 2005-2015; out of those 258 cases, most samples which tested positive for Trichinella spp. (29.5%) were detected in the Metropolitan district (Santiago de Chile and outskirts), and 17.4% in The Lake district. Regarding age brackets, people between 30-49 years of age showed the most cases (40.1%). In Brazil, the infection is absent in domestic species but it has been found in wild boars (Sus scrofa) but limited to one or more region of the country. Within the animal species destined for food in South America, those that showed higher parasitical loads were pigs and wild boars, while armadillos (Chaetophractus villosus) and peccaries (Tayassu tajacu) showed very low Trichinella spp. larvae loads (0.04 - 0.1 larvae/g). Antibodies against Trichinella spp. have been detected in pigs from Ecuador and Bolivia. In Bolivia, antibodies were also found in humans. Peru, Colombia and Uruguay have no documented presence of Trichinella spp. in animals and humans. There is insufficient information regarding the presence of Trichinella spp. in domestic and wild animals, as well as in humans, since only a very limited number of surveys have been carried out. No papers with information on Trichinella spp. circulating in animals or humans have been published regarding the situation in Guyana, Surinam, French Guiana, Venezuela and Paraguay. Considering the growth of the guinea pig meat market in the Andean region, and the high prevalence of the disease reported in free range pigs and wild boars, as well as other game animal species, it is important to focus on the role of biosecurity and risk management, while improving meat market regulations, and detection of infection prior to consumption, in order to reduce the risk of transmission of this zoonotic disease to humans.

Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in beef cattle raised in Italy: a multicenter study.

Toxoplasmosis represents an important public health issue, with the consumption of raw or undercooked meat being a major way of human infection. The role of beef in the transmission of the parasite to humans is questioned due to lower quantity of tissue cysts compared with other meat-producing species. However, the habit of consuming raw beef is regionally diffused, and the risk posed by Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle should not be overlooked. Therefore, to update information on T. gondii in cattle reared in Italy, a multicentric seroepidemiological survey was designed and implemented in four Northern regions (Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont, and Trentino Alto Adige) and Sardinia. Overall, a convenience sampling was performed, collecting 1444 serum samples from 57 beef cattle herds. Thirteen beef breeds were sampled, besides cross-breed; bovines age varied from 3 months to over 12 years. Sera were tested with a commercial ELISA for the detection of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Individual and herd data were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. A T. gondii seroprevalence of 10.2% was recorded, with differences among regions and values ranging from 5.3% in Liguria to 18.6% in the Piedmont region (p value = 0.0001). Both young and adult animals and males and females tested positive, without any significant difference (age and gender: p value > 0.05). Lower seroprevalence values were recorded in cattle born in Italy (8.7%) if compared with animals imported from abroad (13.4%) (p value = 0.046). The spread of T. gondii in beef cattle destined to Italian consumers is confirmed, suggesting the need of continuous monitoring of the infection.

Ascaridoids in commercial fish: Occurrence, intensity and localization in whole fish and fillets destined for the Belgian market.

Anisakidae and Raphidascaridae are marine nematodes present in a wide range of fish hosts, which may cause gastro-intestinal complaints and/or allergy in human, in addition to economic losses for the industry. Data regarding the presence of these parasites in fish for the Belgian market is currently missing; therefore, our aim was to investigate the presence and intensity of ascaridoids in a wide range of commercially fish species. A total of 415 fish samples, belonging to 36 different fish species, were collected from a Belgian whole-sale company. Ascaridoid larvae from the viscera (if present) and the muscles were collected by enzymatic digestion and the prevalence, median intensity, mean number of larvae per 100 g infected muscle, and localisation were determined. An overall prevalence of 53% [95%-CI: 42-63%] in the viscera and 27% [95%-CI: 23-32%] in the muscles was observed. Infection in the muscles varied between the fish species; no larvae were detected in 13 fish species, while a high prevalence (>78%) was observed in pollack, halibut, and gurnard. Most samples originated from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, with the highest prevalence in the muscles observed in the Barents & Norwegian Sea (65% [95%-CI: 38-86]). Muscle samples were, if possible, divided in an anterior region, belly flap, medial region, and posterior region, with the most infections and larvae found in the belly flaps. In all samples, a total of 2569 larvae were recovered, with 1594 larvae originating from the viscera and 975 from the muscles; with an average of two larvae per 100 g infected fillet detected. Larvae were morphologically identified, and a subgroup was further confirmed using PCR/RFLP, resulting ultimately in the identification of Anisakis simplex s.s. (1853 larvae), A. pegreffii (137), A. simplex/pegreffii hybrid genotype (38), Pseudoterranova decipiens (160) and Hysterothylacium aduncum (380). This study demonstrates that ascaridoid larvae are highly prevalent in different fish species on the Belgian market.

Anisakis spp. in fishery products from Japanese waters: Updated insights on host prevalence and human infection risk factors.

The nematodes of the genus Anisakis are among the most relevant parasitic hazards in fishery products since they are responsible for human infection and allergy cases. In a food safety and epidemiological perspective, several marine hosts from different locations around Japan were examined to characterize the parasitism of Anisakis larvae. Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) showed the highest overall prevalence (100%), followed by blue mackerel (Scomber australasicus) (97.5%), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) (80%), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) (60.1%), Japanese flying squid (Todarodes pacificus) (17%) and Japanese pilchard (Sardinops sagax melanostictus) (2%). In Pacific krill (Euphausia pacifica), apart from one Hysterothylacium aduncum larva, no Anisakis specimens were detected. Anisakis simplex sensu stricto was molecularly identified (PCR-RFLP) for the first time in Japanese flying squid and Japanese pilchard distributed in the Northwestern Pacific ocean. That was the most frequent parasitic species detected followed by A. pegreffii, mostly in the western areas of Japan, hybrid genotypes between the two sibling species as well as A. typica and A. berlandi. Surprisingly, A. simplex s.s. was the most abundant species in one batch of chub mackerel from the East China Sea and A. pegreffii was the main species found in one batch from the Pacific coast of Aomori, which seems to indicate that the ranges of these two sibling species might be more variable than previously thought.

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a reservoir of a diversity of Toxoplasma gondii strains in the USA and pose a risk to consumers of undercooked venison.

To assess the role of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus, WTD) in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis, we conducted a national survey of WTD across the USA for Toxoplasma gondii infection. To do this, we combined serology with parasite isolation to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii in this game species. From October 2012 to March 2019, serum and tissues were collected from 914 WTD across the USA. Serum samples were screened for antibodies to T. gondii, and then the tissues of seropositive WTD were bioassayed in mice. Antibodies were detected in 329 (36%) of 914 WTD tested by the modified agglutination test (positive reaction at 1:25 or higher). Viable T. gondii was isolated from the heart of 36 WTD from 11 states. Three of the 36 isolates were pathogenic but not highly virulent to outbred Swiss Webster mice and all 36 isolates could be propagated further in cell culture and were genotyped. For genotyping, DNA extracted from cell culture-derived tachyzoites was characterized by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using the genetic markers SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico. Genotyping revealed seven ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotypes, including 24 isolates for genotype #5 (haplogroup 12), four isolates for #2 (type III, haplogroup 3), three isolates for genotypes #1 (type II, haplogroup 2), two isolates for genotypes #3 (type II, haplogroup 2) and one isolate each for #39, #221 and #224. Genotype #5 was the most frequently isolated, accounting for 66.6% (24 of 36) of the isolates. Combining the 36 isolates from this study with previously reported 69 isolates from WTD, 15 genotypes have been identified. Among these, 50.4% (53/105) isolates belong to genotype #5. Our results indicate moderate genetic diversity of T. gondii in WTD. The results also indicate that undercooked venison should not be consumed by humans or fed to cats.

Risk-based scoring and genetic identification for anisakids in frozen fish products from Atlantic FAO areas.

BACKGROUND: The presence of Anisakis larvae in fish represents a major public health concern. Effective risk management procedures should be applied to prevent heavily infected products from reaching the market. The aim of the study is to provide preliminary data on parasite exposure and risk classification in frozen fish products by applying a risk categorization scheme (site, abundance, density and epidemiology - SADE) and Fish Parasite Rating (FPR) method. Fish and cephalopods samples (N = 771) from 5 different FAO Atlantic areas were examined and categorized after an accurate visual inspection and a chloro-peptic digestion. RESULTS: In 25 out of 33 fish species parasite larvae were found. 10897 anisakids larvae were collected and identified to genus level. Molva dypterygia, Conger conger, Zeus faber and Aphanopus carbo were shown to be the most highly infected species. SADE and FPR scores were 1 and poor, respectively, for the referred species, because of the disseminated Anisakis infection and commercial rejection. CONCLUSION: SADE/FPR method showed high specificity and accuracy. The information provided in this work could be used in early warning systems for the detection of parasites in fishery products and might help fishing industries in establishing management strategies for infected stocks in terms of cost saving decisions.

Ability of near-infrared spectroscopy for non-destructive detection of internal insect infestation in fruits: Meta-analysis of spectral ranges and optical measurement modes.

The feasibility of utilizing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been recently assessed for rapid and non-destructive detection of internal insect infestation in some fruits. Based on the findings, this technology can be used for on/in-line inspection of the fruits in terms of insect infestation if suitable instrument is selected for accurate spectral measurements and system development. The spectral range and optical measurement mode are two of the most important factors which can affect the accuracy of the spectral measurements and detection models. The aim of this study is meta-analysis of these factors' effects on the ability of NIR-based spectroscopy for non-destructive detection of hidden insect infestation in fruits. Eight studies (65 observations) were extracted based on the criteria of this study. Overall, utilizing NIR-based spectroscopy led to 13.98% error (95% CI = 10.69-17.27%) for non-destructive detection of hidden insect infestation in fruits. Spectral ranges of Vis/SWNIR (above 300 up to 1100 nm), NIR (above 780 up to 2500 nm), and Vis/NIR (above 300 up to 2500 nm) showed errors of 21.71% (95% CI = 16.56-26.86%), 13.30% (95% CI = 5.24-21.36%), and 13.65% (95% CI = 5.9-21.4%), respectively. It was noted that wavelengths above 1100 nm (NIR region) are more useful to detect insect infestation in fruit. Results also indicated that optical measurement modes of interactance, reflectance, and transmittance had errors of 6.66% (95% CI = 4.18-9.14%), 15.73% (95% CI = 10.99-20.47%), and 16.04% (95% CI = 7.26-24.82%), respectively. This meta-analysis suggests that utilizing interactance mode for spectra measurement in NIR-based spectroscopy can increase the accuracy of discrimination of insect infested fruits especially when the spectral range of the spectrometer is Vis/SWNIR. Moreover, it should be selected a spectrometer with the wavelength range of NIR or Vis/NIR when using reflectance or transmittance mode is necessary for developing an in/on-line system to detect insect infestation in fruits.

Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015-2018.

Foodborne diseases represent a major health problem in the United States. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) of CDC's Emerging Infections Program monitors cases of laboratory-diagnosed infection caused by eight pathogens transmitted commonly through food in 10 U.S. sites.* This report summarizes preliminary 2018 data and changes since 2015. During 2018, FoodNet identified 25,606 infections, 5,893 hospitalizations, and 120 deaths. The incidence of most infections is increasing, including those caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, which might be partially attributable to the increased use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs). The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly compared with 2015-2017, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce (1). More targeted prevention measures are needed on produce farms, food animal farms, and in meat and poultry processing establishments to make food safer and decrease human illness.

Good manufacturing practices of minimally processed vegetables reduce contamination with pathogenic microorganisms.

Consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) vegetables is quick, easy and healthy, especially when eaten without cooking. However, they might be a source of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological and parasitological contamination of fresh RTE vegetables produced in agroindustries in the Federal District of Brazil (FD), and to correlate contamination with good manufacturing practices (GMP). One hundred and three samples of RTE vegetables were collected from six agroindustries for microbiology and parasitology analyses and correlate with GMP; 54 samples were collected from three hypermarkets for parasitological evaluation. None of the samples analyzed were positive for Salmonella sp. and for thermotolerant coliforms, but they were contaminated with total coliforms. All analyzed samples were contaminated with at least one species of enteroparasistes or commensals, which were identified as Ascaris sp., Balantidium coli, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Hookworm, Strongyloides sp., Trichuris sp., Entamoeba sp., eggs and larvae of Nematoda, insects and fungi. Agroindustries that adopted GMP showed less contamination with helminths. RTE vegetables sold in hypermarkets of the FD are unfit for human consumption. It is important to guide farmers in the FD on the need to adopt good practices in the production and processing of vegetables to reduce the microbial contamination.

[Acaroid mite breeding in ground rice in Wenchang area].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the breeding of acaroid mites in the stored grains in Wenchang area, Hainan Province, China. METHODS: The breeding mites from the samples were separated by a shake-sieve and microscope directly. The isolations were used for slide preparation based on previous literature, and then under a light microscope, the identification and counting of the acaroid mites were performed. RESULTS: Twelve species of mites were identified from 20 categories of grains. They belonged to 10 genera of 4 families. Among the 12 grain samples, the breeding rates were higher of Blomia tropicalis and Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Among the 20 samples collected, a total of 5 885 mites were found, with an average breeding density of 29.43/g. CONCLUSIONS: The infestation of acaroid mites appears serious in the stored grains in Wenchang area, which should be taken measures to prevent and control.

Análise coproparasitológica de manipuladores de alimentos em restaurantes especializados em gastronomia japonesa / Coproparasitological analysis of food manipulators in restaurants specialized in japanese gastronomy

Introdução: O aumento pela procura dos serviços de alimentação se deu em parte em virtude do desenvolvimento econômico e esse cenário traz consigo uma preocupação que é a qualidade sanitária dos produtos ofertados ao público atendido. Objetivo: Realizar análises coproparasitológicas em manipuladores de alimentos da gastronomia japonesa. Casuística e Métodos: O estudo foi realizado no Laboratório de Parasitologia Clínica/Universidade Federal da Paraíba e contou com uma amostra de 30 manipuladores. Fichas socioepidemiológicas foram aplicadas e coletores de fezes foram entregues aos manipuladores. Posteriormente o material fecal foi analisado pelos métodos de Hoffmann, Pons e Janner e de Blagg. Resultados: Após as análises observou-se que 17 (56,65%) dos manipuladores apresentaram amostras positivas. A prevalência de protozoários foi Endolimax nana (37,5%), Entamoeba coli (34,4%), Entamoeba histolytica/díspar (18,75%), Giardia lamblia (6,25%) e Iodamoeba butschlii (3,1%) e a de helmintos foi Ancylostomatidae (50%), Ascaris lumbricoides (16,7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (16,7%) e Trichostrongylus sp (16,6%). Dentre os indivíduos parasitados, observou-se que 12 (70,6%) tinham ensino fundamental, 15 (88,2%) possuíam água tratada nas residências, 12 (70,6%) consumiam água de torneira, 14 (82,4%) eliminavam seus dejetos em fossas, 5 (29,4%) faziam higienização das mãos após usar o banheiro às vezes, 3 (17,6%) lavavam as mãos durante a manipulação dos alimentos às vezes e 15 (88,2%) não faziam uso de luvas durante o preparo dos alimentos. Conclusão: Concluímos que os consumidores de alimentos da culinária japonesa manipulada pelos sujeitos-objeto deste estudo, encontram-se expostos a riscos de infecções por enteroparasitos. Medidas educativas que melhorem as condições de higiene dos manipuladores avaliados se fazem importantes, bem como o tratamento dos indivíduos infectados.

Introduction: The demand for food services has increased due to the economic development. This scenario is associated with the concern regarding the sanitary quality into the products offered in the public. Objective: Carry out coproparasitological analyzes in food handlers of Japanese gastronomy. Patients and Methods: The study was performed at the Laboratory of Clinical Parasitology / Federal University of Paraiba. The study sample was composed of 30 food manipulators. The participants answered a socio epidemiological file card, and fecal collectors were delivered to food manipulators. Subsequently, the fecal material was analyzed by the methods of Hoffmann, Pons and Janner and Blagg. Results: After the analysis, 17 (56.65%) of the food manipulators presented positive samples. The prevalence of protozoa was Endolimax nana (37.5%), Entamoeba coli (34.4%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (18.75%), Giardia lamblia (6.25%), and Iodamoeba butschlii (3.1%). The helminths' prevalence was Ancylostomatidae (50%), Ascaris lumbricoides (16.7%), Strongyloides stercoralis (16.7%), and Trichostrongylus sp(16.6%). Among the parasitized individuals, it was observed that 12 (70.6%) had elementary education, 15 (88.2%) had treated water in their residences, 12 (70.6%) consumed tap water, 14 (82.4%) disposed of their waste in septic tanks, 5 (29.4%) did hand hygiene after using the toilet at times, 3 (17.6%) washed their hands during food handling, and 15 (88.2%) did not use gloves during food preparation. Conclusion: We concluded that consumers of Japanese cuisine foods handled by the subjects from this study are at risk of enteroparasite infections. Educational measures should be implemented in order to improve the hygiene conditions of the evaluated manipulators, as well as the treatment of the infected individuals.

Contamination of commonly consumed raw vegetables with soil transmitted helminth eggs in Mazandaran province, northern Iran.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are responsible for significant burden of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Consumption of raw vegetables without proper washing is one of the major routes of such infections. We evaluate the prevalence of STH contamination in commonly used vegetables in Mazandaran province, northern Iran. A total of 772 fresh raw vegetables were obtained from retail markets. Each sample was divided into two groups. One group was used as the unwashed sample and the second group was washed with standard washing procedures. Then, samples were examined for helminth eggs by using standard methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS20. The overall prevalence of STHs was 14.89% (115/772). The rate of STH contamination was significantly higher in warm seasons (20.5%, 79/386) than in cold seasons (9.32%, 36/386) among the unwashed vegetables (OR=2.50; CI 95%=1.64-3.8; P<0.001). No parasites were observed in standard washed samples (OR=271.40; CI 95%=16.84-4373.64; P<0.001). Prevalence of STH contamination was significantly higher in leafy vegetables than root vegetables (OR=1.67; CI 95%=1.09-2.55; P<0.05). The prevalence of STHs species in all the vegetables were as follows: Ascaris lumbricoides (3.36%), Trichuris trichiura (2.2%), hookworms (2.9%), Toxocara spp. (1.68%), Trichostrongylus spp. (1.55), Taenia sp. (0.9%) and Hymenolepis nana (2.2%). The results of the present study emphasized that vegetables are potential risk factor for transmission of helminth infection to human in northern Iran. It is necessary that health authorities trained the consumers to proper and standard washing of vegetables before consumption.

World Health Organization Estimates of the Relative Contributions of Food to the Burden of Disease Due to Selected Foodborne Hazards: A Structured Expert Elicitation.

BACKGROUND: The Foodborne Disease Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (FERG) was established in 2007 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to estimate the global burden of foodborne diseases (FBDs). This estimation is complicated because most of the hazards causing FBD are not transmitted solely by food; most have several potential exposure routes consisting of transmission from animals, by humans, and via environmental routes including water. This paper describes an expert elicitation study conducted by the FERG Source Attribution Task Force to estimate the relative contribution of food to the global burden of diseases commonly transmitted through the consumption of food. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We applied structured expert judgment using Cooke's Classical Model to obtain estimates for 14 subregions for the relative contributions of different transmission pathways for eleven diarrheal diseases, seven other infectious diseases and one chemical (lead). Experts were identified through international networks followed by social network sampling. Final selection of experts was based on their experience including international working experience. Enrolled experts were scored on their ability to judge uncertainty accurately and informatively using a series of subject-matter specific 'seed' questions whose answers are unknown to the experts at the time they are interviewed. Trained facilitators elicited the 5th, and 50th and 95th percentile responses to seed questions through telephone interviews. Cooke's Classical Model uses responses to the seed questions to weigh and aggregate expert responses. After this interview, the experts were asked to provide 5th, 50th, and 95th percentile estimates for the 'target' questions regarding disease transmission routes. A total of 72 experts were enrolled in the study. Ten panels were global, meaning that the experts should provide estimates for all 14 subregions, whereas the nine panels were subregional, with experts providing estimates for one or more subregions, depending on their experience in the region. The size of the 19 hazard-specific panels ranged from 6 to 15 persons with several experts serving on more than one panel. Pathogens with animal reservoirs (e.g. non-typhoidal Salmonella spp. and Toxoplasma gondii) were in general assessed by the experts to have a higher proportion of illnesses attributable to food than pathogens with mainly a human reservoir, where human-to-human transmission (e.g. Shigella spp. and Norovirus) or waterborne transmission (e.g. Salmonella Typhi and Vibrio cholerae) were judged to dominate. For many pathogens, the foodborne route was assessed relatively more important in developed subregions than in developing subregions. The main exposure routes for lead varied across subregions, with the foodborne route being assessed most important only in two subregions of the European region. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, we present worldwide estimates of the proportion of specific diseases attributable to food and other major transmission routes. These findings are essential for global burden of FBD estimates. While gaps exist, we believe the estimates presented here are the best current source of guidance to support decision makers when allocating resources for control and intervention, and for future research initiatives.

Survey for Toxoplasma gondii by PCR detection in meat for human consumption in Colombia.

The overall risk for toxoplasmosis in meat produced in Colombia is unknown. We analyzed by PCR assay meat samples for human consumption in two types of plants in Colombia: 120 samples from class I plants (60 samples from chicken, 30 from swine and 30 from beef) and 60 from class II plants (30 samples from beef and 30 from swine). Presence of Toxoplasma DNA was established by targeted B1 nested PCR assay. We detected 79 (43%) samples that were positive by B1 nested PCR (33 from chicken, 22 from beef, and 24 from pork). No differences were found by region or species. Eleven positive samples were confirmed by sequencing of the B1 repeated region. Some polymorphisms were detected without relation with clonal groups nor meat species. Food animals are highly exposed to Toxoplasma in Colombia. Detailed studies are needed to establish the reasons for differences in Toxoplasma prevalence between farms, regarding practices of animal food production.

[Survey and morphological observation of Lepidoglyphus destructor in college canteens].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the breeding and morphology of Lepidoglyphus destructor in college canteens in south Anhui Province. METHODS: The powder and rice on the floor around dough makers, flour bags and rice bags in college canteens were collected and observed under a microscope. RESULTS: Totally 108 samples were collected, and Acaroid mites were found in 101 of them with a detection rate of 93.52%. Totally 1 527 mites were found with an average breeding density of 1.41/g. Under the light microscope observed, the L. destructor's four pairs of legs were tapering from tarsus. The back setae were stiff and the ventral setae were smooth and relatively short. The internal vertical seta was longer than the top of the chelicera. Dorsal seta d3, d4, lateral seta l3 and sacral inner hair sai were the longest. The female mites were bigger than the male ones, and had more anal seta than male ones. The genital fold of female mites almost connected together, and the front-end had a crescent shaped plate cover. CONCLUSIONS: The breeding of Acaroid mites in college canteens is serious, and therefore, effective measures should be taken to prevent and control it.