SporadicSalmonella entericaserotype Javiana infections in Georgia and Tennessee: a hypothesis-generating study

Abstract

From 1996 to 2004, the incidence of Salmonella Javiana infections increased in FoodNet, the U.S. national active foodborne disease surveillance programme. Contact with amphibians and consumption of tomatoes have been associated with outbreaks of S. Javiana infection. To generate and test hypotheses about risk factors associated with sporadic S. Javiana infections, we interviewed patients with laboratory-confirmed S. Javiana infection identified in Georgia and Tennessee during August-October 2004. We collected data on food and water consumption, animal contact, and environmental exposure from cases. Responses were compared with population-based survey exposure data. Seventy-two of 117 identified S. Javiana case-patients were interviewed. Consumption of well water [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-11.2] and reptile or amphibian contact (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 0.9-7.1) were associated with infection. Consumption of tomatoes (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.9) and poultry (aOR 0.5, 95% CI 0.2-1.0) were protective. Our study suggests that environmental factors are associated with S. Javiana infections in Georgia and Tennessee.

Salmonella in the wildlife-human interface

“…Direct contact between humans and wildlife has also led to outbreak reports. In most of these cases, birds or reptiles were incriminated (Clarkson et al, 2010;Foti et al, 2009;Refsum, Heir, Kapperud, Vardund, & Holstad, 2002b;Tsiodras, Kelesidis, Kelesidis, Bauchinger, & Falagas, 2008). Human infections caused by direct contact with wildlife frequently include rare serovars, subspecies or specific host adapted commensal strains of Salmonella in reptiles and birds (Hughes, Wigley, Bennett, Chantrey, & Williams, 2010;Minette, 1984).…”

“…Human infections caused by direct contact with wildlife frequently include rare serovars, subspecies or specific host adapted commensal strains of Salmonella in reptiles and birds (Hughes, Wigley, Bennett, Chantrey, & Williams, 2010;Minette, 1984). Species like Salmonella bongori or Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae and dearizonae (IIIa, IIIb) are usually commensals to the reptile host but occasionally infect humans (CDC, 2008;Clarkson et al, 2010;Editorial team et al, 2008;Foti et al, 2009;Harris, Neil, Behravesh, Sotir, & Angulo, 2010;Refsum et al, 2002b). Clearly, Salmonella has overcome species barriers and has adapted to new hosts.…”

“…For long, reptiles have been reported to be a source of outbreak and sporadic salmonellosis in humans (CDC, 2008;Clarkson et al, 2010;Editorial team et al, 2008;Harris et al, 2010). Studies on the prevalence of Salmonella in reptiles are diverse.…”

Migrating Common Toads (Bufo bufo) in Rural Temperate Regions: Reservoirs ofSalmonella?

“…Because common toads (Bufo bufo) are among the most abundant amphibians in rural areas and on farms in northern Europe and exhibit marked migratory activity during the reproductive season, they could be important vectors of Salmonella. Besides indirect transfer of Salmonella through contamination of crops and livestock, several outbreaks of human salmonellosis due to Salmonella enterica serotypes Javiana and Typhimurium, have been directly associated with amphibian contact (Srikantiah et al 2004;Clarkson et al 2010). In many northern European countries, animal conservation groups (often involving children) participate in amphibian safeguarding activities during the spring migration.…”

Application of epidemiological information system (EPIS) in the Slovak Republic within the surveillance of salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis outbreaks in the European union (2001-2010)

“…S. Typhimurium). Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica infection is one of the leading causes of gastrointestinal illness, responsible for several million human cases and thousands of deaths worldwide each year (Clarkson et al, 2010). The common reservoir of Salmonella is the intestinal tract of a wide range of domestic and wild animals which result in a variety of foodstuff s covering both food of animal and plant origin as sources of infections.…”