Salmonella Outbreak Investigation in Florence Schools
Author Information
Author(s): Romani Cristina, Nicoletti PierLuigi, Buonomini Maria Ida, Nastasi Antonino, Mammina Caterina
Primary Institution: Department of Public Health, University of Florence
Hypothesis
What are the molecular epidemiological features of the Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak in Florence?
Conclusion
The outbreak was caused by the emergence and clonal expansion of a specific strain of Salmonella Enteritidis.
Supporting Evidence
- 154 isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis were recovered from human cases between November 2005 and January 2006.
- Molecular subtyping revealed five different profiles among the isolates.
- Type C was predominant during the epidemic phase, accounting for nearly all isolates.
Takeaway
A lot of kids got sick from a specific type of bacteria in their school lunches, and scientists figured out which type it was by looking closely at the bacteria's DNA.
Methodology
Molecular typing of 124 human isolates of Salmonella Enteritidis using single enzyme – amplified fragment length polymorphism (SE-AFLP).
Limitations
Attempts to identify food vehicles and trace routes of transmission were unsuccessful.
Participant Demographics
Children from 53 different schools in Florence.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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