National Outbreak of E. coli Linked to Sandwiches in the UK
Author Information
Author(s): Quinn Orlagh, Yanshi, King Grace, Hoban Ann, Sawyer Clare, Douglas Amy, Painset Anaïs, Charlett Andre, Nelson Andrew, Rees Carys, Byers Chloe, Williams Christopher, Brown Colin, Mohan Kitty, Brown Claire, Jenkins Claire, Neill Claire, Leckenby Genna, Larkin Lesley, Allison Lesley, Olufon Oluwakemi, Nickbakhsh Sema, Mannes Trish, Inns Thomas, Balasegaram Sooria
Primary Institution: UK Health Security Agency
Hypothesis
Are pre-packaged sandwiches a common source of the E. coli outbreak?
Conclusion
The outbreak was linked to the consumption of pre-packaged sandwiches containing lettuce.
Supporting Evidence
- 288 cases were linked to the outbreak cluster.
- 49% of cases were hospitalized.
- 80% of symptomatic cases reported bloody diarrhea.
- Two deaths were reported among the confirmed cases.
- Consumption of pre-packaged sandwiches was identified as a common exposure.
Takeaway
A lot of people got sick from eating sandwiches that had bad bacteria in them. The sandwiches were taken off the shelves to keep everyone safe.
Methodology
The study involved whole genome sequencing and case-control studies comparing outbreak cases to controls.
Limitations
The exact source of contamination in the food chain is still unclear.
Participant Demographics
Most cases were adults (87%) and predominantly female (57%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95%CI 2.3–21.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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