Food Chain Surveillance for Salmonella in Mexico
Author Information
Author(s): Zaidi Mussaret B., Calva Juan Jose, Estrada-Garcia Maria Teresa, Leon Veronica, Vazquez Gabriela, Figueroa Gloria, Lopez Estela, Contreras Jesus, Abbott Jason, Zhao Shaohua, McDermott Patrick, Tollefson Linda
Primary Institution: Hospital General O’Horan, Mérida, Mexico
Hypothesis
Can an integrated food chain surveillance system effectively identify Salmonella spp. contamination in Mexico?
Conclusion
The integrated food chain surveillance system effectively identified major public health priorities related to Salmonella spp. in Mexico.
Supporting Evidence
- High rates of meat contamination were found, with 21.3%–36.4% of samples testing positive for Salmonella.
- 77.3% of S. Typhimurium isolates from chicken were resistant to ceftriaxone.
- Strong correlation between beef contamination and asymptomatic Salmonella infection was observed in lower poverty areas.
Takeaway
This study shows that a system can help find germs in food that make people sick, especially in places where food safety is not very good.
Methodology
The study involved active surveillance in four states, collecting samples from humans, food animals, and retail meats to assess Salmonella contamination.
Potential Biases
Potential biases due to the reliance on passive surveillance and the socioeconomic factors affecting data collection.
Limitations
The system is still in early stages and lacks capabilities for measuring the health impact of contaminated food consumption.
Participant Demographics
Participants included ill and asymptomatic children, as well as samples from retail pork, chicken, and beef.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.3–17.6
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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