DOSE-RESPONSE IN AN OUTBREAK OF NONBACTERIAL FOOD POISONING TRACED TOA MIXED SEAFOOD COCKTAIL

An outbreak of non-bacterial food poisoning presumed due to small roun d, structured viruses (SRSV) occurred at a national conference. A deta iled postal survey of all conference attenders was carried out to asce rtain the cause of the outbreak and 355 questionnaires were returned. Univariate analysis showed that mussels in the seafood cocktail were t he likely vehicle of infection. A dose-response relationship between t he amount of seafood cocktail consumed and the risk of illness was dem onstrated. Dose-response has not previously been documented in a food- borne outbreak due to small round structured virus. Detailed quantitat ive food histories can be useful in eliciting dose-response relationsh ips and may be crucial in establishing the vehicle of infection when i nvestigating food poisoning following consumption of a set-menu meal. Their use should be considered in other outbreak situations.