Outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium Sequence Type 34 linked to chocolate products. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lund, Sejal; Tahir, Maliha; Vohra, Laiba Imran; Hamdana, Amatul Hadi; Ahmad, Shahzaib
• Is Part Of: Annals of medicine and surgery. Volume 82(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Monophasic salmonella typhimurium -- Outbreak -- Antimicrobial resistance -- Chocolate products -- Salmonellosis -- Foodborne illness -- Salmonella enterica serovar 1, 4, [5], 12:i:; Surgery -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; General Surgery -- Periodicals; Education, Medical -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104597
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2049-0801

Abstract

Abstract: As of 3rd June 2022, 445 cases of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium sequence type 34 infection had been reported globally. The outbreak was caused by two novel strains of monophasic S. Typhimurium with unusual multi-drug resistance. The majority of these cases involved children aged 10 or younger, and they had a hospitalization rate higher than most previous outbreaks of monophasic S. Typhimurium, but no fatalities were recorded. The infection was traced to certain Belgian chocolate products after extensive microbiological and epidemiological research. Public health officials took immediate action to recall all the contaminated products, and the risk of exposure was reduced. The common symptoms are bloody diarrhea, acute onset of fever, abdominal pain, and vomiting. This article aims to thoroughly review the recent outbreak of monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium ST-34, including its epidemiology and comparison with ongoing outbreaks. We also highlighted past chocolate-related salmonella outbreaks and current control and prevention guidelines and recommendations. Highlights: The present salmonellosis outbreak in Europe was traced to certain chocolate products produced at a plant in Belgium. The majority of these cases involved children aged 10 or younger. This outbreak was caused by two novel strains of monophasic S. Typhimurium with unusual multi-drug resistance. Rare drug resistance to aminoglycosides, phenicols, and trimethoprim can be used for screening of probable cases. For improving food safety, active monitoring, surveillance, inspection, outbreak management, research, and education are needed.