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An outbreak of Salmonella Infantis gastroenteritis in a residential aged care facility associated with thickened fluids
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 03:41 authored by Najjar, Z, Furlong, C, Nicola StephensNicola Stephens, Shadbolt, C, Maywood, P, Conaty, S, Hogg, GTwenty-two confirmed cases of Salmonella Infantis were identified in 70 residents of high-level care areas of a residential aged care facility in Sydney in April 2010 during an outbreak of gastroenteritis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify a possible cause. Consuming a soft diet, puréed diet, or thickened fluid were each independently associated with illness. A logistic regression showed consumption of thickened fluid to be the only significant exposure associated with illness (adjusted odds ratio 11·8, 95% confidence interval 1·9-75·9). It was postulated that the thickened fluid had been contaminated by chicken mince, a sample of which also cultured S. Infantis. This finding reinforces the need to educate food-handlers on the risk of potential cross-contamination; it also highlights the need to consider all dietary components, such as thickened fluids, as potential vehicles for transmission in an outbreak.
History
Publication title
Epidemiology & InfectionVolume
140Issue
12Pagination
2264-2272ISSN
0950-2688Department/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Cambridge Univ PressPlace of publication
40 West 20Th St, New York, USA, Ny, 10011-4211Rights statement
Copyright 2012 Cambridge University PressRepository Status
- Restricted