Impact of a Food Safety Campaign on Streptococcus suis Infection in Humans in Thailand

Abstract

is an important zoonotic pathogen in swine and humans that causes sepsis and meningitis. Our previous study in Thailand showed that the prevalence of infection in humans, especially in northern areas of Thailand, and the transmission of the pathogen occurred mainly through the consumption of traditional raw pork products. Considering the high incidence proportion and mortality rate of the disease as an important public health problem, we implemented a food safety campaign in the Phayao Province in northern Thailand in 2011. We evaluated the effects of a food safety campaign by comparing the sociodemographic, clinical, and bacteriological characteristics of cases before and after the campaign. The follow-up study showed a marked decrease of the incidence proportion in the first 2 years, indicating the effectiveness of the campaign. In the third year, however, the incidence proportion slightly increased again, indicating the existence of deep-rooted cultural behaviors and the necessity of continuous public health intervention. Furthermore, epidemiological analysis of the cases made it possible to estimate the infectivity of the pathogen via the oral route of infection. In the present study, we showed the effectiveness of the food safety campaign for controlling the infection, and we present a role model public health intervention for prevalent areas affected by infection in humans.

Review of Biological and Chemical Health Risks Associated with Pork Consumption in Vietnam: Major Pathogens and Hazards Identified in Southeast Asia

“…In Ho Chi Minh City, one study following 101 confirmed S. suis infections found that, in 25.7% of cases, eating high-risk raw pork dishes was the only risk factor reported by the patient [23]. In addition, while research on S. suis cases in rural Vietnam is slim, research from rural ailand proposed that approximately 70% of S. suis infections investigated were linked to the consumption of raw pork [24,29]. e occurrence of ritualised consumption in ailand has been suggested, with incidences of S. suis food poisoning peaking over months where crop harvesting is celebrated with food [24].…”

“…Epidemiological studies point to additional risk factors that may affect the risk of S. suis infection. Takeuchi et al [29] traced confirmed Streptococcus suis cases in regional northern ailand back to sites of exposure and determined that infection only occurred sporadically amongst people who would all share the same pork product. As such, Takeuchi et al [29] concluded that infection with S. suis via the oral route may require predisposing factors or health comorbidities.…”

“…Takeuchi et al [29] traced confirmed Streptococcus suis cases in regional northern ailand back to sites of exposure and determined that infection only occurred sporadically amongst people who would all share the same pork product. As such, Takeuchi et al [29] concluded that infection with S. suis via the oral route may require predisposing factors or health comorbidities. Other studies documenting S. suis cases have confirmed that unfavourable health indicators, particularly alcoholism and diabetes, are relatively high amongst participants [25,27,28].…”

“…In an effort to reduce the illness burden associated with S. suis infection in regional northern ailand, Takeuchi et al [29] launched a public health campaign in 2011 to highlight the risks associated with consumption of raw pork. e campaign achieved early success, and for the first two years, recorded cases of S. suis infection dropped to approximately a third of 2010 levels.…”

“…e campaign achieved early success, and for the first two years, recorded cases of S. suis infection dropped to approximately a third of 2010 levels. However, by 2013, S. suis infections began increasing, reaching approximately half of 2010 levels before the study was terminated in September of that year [29]. [30,31].…”