Food borne disease outbreaks caused by Salmonella Enteritidis

Objective It is to describe outbreaks of salmonellosis reported from July 1 993 through June 1997 in the Northwest region of S. Paulo State, Brazil, on e of the areas where several foodborne outbreaks of salmonellosis have been recently detected. Method Data of 19 epidemiological investigations were analysed; 87 stool sp ecimens and 38 food samples (including 12 of shell eggs) were processed for microbiological analysis. Salmonella strains were identified by serotyping , phagetyping and antimicroial susceptibility testing. Results There were 906 ill persons including 295 hospitalized patients. Pha ge type 4 (PT 4) Salmonella Enteritidis strains were isolated from 80.5% of stool samples, from all food samples and from 41.7% of eggs. Of the outbre aks, 95.7% were associated with the consumption of food containing raw or u ndercooked eggs. All strains were susceptible to the 13 antimicrobials, exc ept the strains from the nosocomial outbreak. Conclusions The results obtained show the need for the implementation of co ntrol measures regarding egg procdution and storage, as well as for guidanc e to the public as to the risks involved in the consumption of inadequately prepared eggs.