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Food Poisoning (food + poisoning)
Selected AbstractsIdentification of Tetrodotoxin and Fish Species in an Adulterated Dried Mullet Roe Implicated in Food PoisoningJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003Y.W. Hsieh ABSTRACT: There was 1 victim of neurotoxic food poisoning from an adulterated dried mullet roe in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in March 2001. The victim exhibited typical neurotoxic symptoms. The residue of dried mullet roe retained by the victim was assayed for toxicity and mitochondrial DNA. Its toxicity was 3450 mouse units per gram. The toxin was partially purified and identified as tetrodotoxin and derivative. The sequence of the 376-nucleotide region in the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial DNA exhibited the same genotype and the same restriction site for SapI as that of the toxic puffer fish Lagocephalus lunaris. [source] Determination of the toxic potential of Bacillus cereus isolates by quantitative enterotoxin analysesFEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS, Issue 2 2006Maximilian Moravek Abstract Haemolysin BL (HBL) and nonhaemolytic enterotoxin (Nhe), each consisting of three components, represent the major enterotoxins produced by Bacillus cereus. To evaluate the expression of these toxins, a set of 100 B. cereus strains was examined. Molecular biological characterization showed that 42% of the strains harboured the genes for HBL and 99% for Nhe. The production of all Nhe and HBL components were analyzed using specific antibodies and, in culture supernatants, detectable levels of HBL and Nhe were found for 100% of hbl- positive and 96% of nhe -positive strains. The concentrations of the HBL,L2 and NheB component ranged from 0.02 to 5.6 ,g mL,1 and from 0.03 to 14.2 ,g mL,1, respectively. Comparison of the amount of NheB produced by food poisoning and food/environmental strains revealed that the median value for all food poisoning strains was significantly higher than for the food/environmental isolates. The data presented in this study provide evidence that specific and quantitative determination of the enterotoxins is necessary to evaluate the toxic potential of B. cereus. In particular, the level of Nhe seems to explain most of the cytotoxic activity of B. cereus isolates and may indicate a highly diarrheic potential. [source] Consumers' perceptions and awareness of food safety practices in Barbados and Trinidad, West Indies , a pilot studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 4 2008Ranate Odwin Abstract The objectives of this pilot study were to determine perception and awareness of food safety practices of consumers in Trinidad and Barbados. A structured questionnaire was self-administered to 148 respondents. Data were analysed by descriptive and chi-square analysis. Most (92%) consumers rated having safe food practices as ,very important'. Only 25.7% heard of the acronym ,HACCP' (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), associated the HACCP approach to safe food preparation (25.7%) and reported it recommendatory in homes (19.6%). More than one-third (45.6%) felt that up to 20% of food poisoning was associated to the home. Over the last 12 months, 18.2% of consumers and/or family members had experienced food-borne illness, but no one associated it to the home. More (P < 0.01) consumers in Trinidad than in Barbados were aware of the HACCP, experienced food-borne illness and allowed pets in the kitchen. This study identified many gaps in proper food safety practices in the homes. [source] Bacillus subtilis and B. mojavensis strains connected to food poisoning produce the heat stable toxin amylosinJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009C. Apetroaie-Constantin Abstract Aim:, To screen and characterize toxic, heat-stable substances produced by food borne strains from Bacillus subtilis group. Methods and Results:, Using the boar sperm motility inhibition assay, six isolates from two outbreaks, out of the 94 isolates from 26 foods, were found to produce ethanol-soluble heat-stable substances that were toxic to sperm cells by depleting the mitochondrial membrane potentials. The toxic isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis and B mojavensis. Colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2) were used to model the contact with the human digestive tract. The extract of B. subtilis F 2564/96 depolarized the mitochondria in intact Caco-2 cells similarly as in sperm cells. The substance responsible for these effects was purified using HPLC and identified by electron spray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry analysis as amylosin. The temperature requirement for amylosin production was 21,37°C for B. subtilis and 11,21°C for B. mojavensis. Both species produced amylosin in air as well as in 7,8% CO2 with 8,9% O2. Conclusions:, Food borne illness related strains of B. subtilis and B. mojavensis, produced the heat-stable toxin amylosin. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This is the first report that suggests a role for the heat-stable, ion-channel forming toxin amylosin, as a virulence factor in food borne Bacillus. [source] Cytotoxic Bacillus spp. belonging to the B. cereus and B. subtilis groups in Norwegian surface watersJOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Ø. Østensvik Abstract Aims:, To investigate the presence and numbers of Bacillus spp. spores in surface waters and examine isolates belonging to the B. cereus and B. subtilis groups for cytotoxicity, and to discuss the presence of cytotoxic Bacillus spp. in surface water as hazard identification in a risk assessment approach in the food industry. Methods and Results:, Samples from eight different rivers with variable degree of faecal pollution, and two drinking water sources, were heat shocked and examined for the presence of Bacillus spp. spores using membrane filtration followed by cultivation on bovine blood agar plates. Bacillus spp. was present in all samples. The numbers varied from 15 to 1400 CFU 100 ml,1. Pure cultures of 86 Bacillus spp. isolates representing all sampling sites were characterized using colony morphology, atmospheric requirements, spore and sporangium morphology, and API 50 CHB and API 20E. Bacillus spp. representing the B. cereus and B. subtilis groups were isolated from all samples. Twenty-one isolates belonging to the B. cereus and B. subtilis groups, representing eight samples, were screened for cytotoxicity. Nine strains of B. cereus and five strains belonging to the B. subtilis group were cytotoxic. Conclusions:, The presence of cytotoxic Bacillus spp. in surface water represents a possible source for food contamination. Filtration and chlorination of surface water, the most common drinking water treatment in Norway, do not remove Bacillus spores efficiently. This was confirmed by isolation of spores from tap water samples. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Contamination of food with water containing low numbers of Bacillus spores implies a risk for bacterial growth in foods. Consequently, high numbers of Bacillus spp. may occur after growth in some products. High numbers of cytotoxic Bacillus spp. in foods may represent a risk for food poisoning. [source] FOOD SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF CONSUMERS OF VARIOUS FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENTSJOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2009R. GURUDASANI ABSTRACT In the present study, food safety knowledge and attitude of 300 consumers from nine different categories of food service establishments (FSEs) were assessed. Results revealed that most consumers (60%) eating at various FSEs were young, in the age group of 18,35 years. Some of the consumers could identify the carriers for foodborne diseases such as cholera, food poisoning and jaundice, but most of them did not know about the carriers of typhoid, gastroenteritis and amebiosis. Most of the consumers received information on food safety from family and friends. A positive association was seen between education of consumers and frequency of receiving information from various sources such as magazines, TV/radio, posters/hoardings, newspapers, school/colleges, health workers and family/friends. Most consumers had a positive attitude toward food hygiene, and they believed in punishing street food vendors who violated the food safety norms. Most consumers believed that government intervention would help in improving the quality of street foods. A lot of better-educated food handlers believed that adherence to norms on the personal hygiene of the food handler should be made compulsory, and that training of persons in street food service is essential to ensure quality of food and food safety. In conclusion, various sources of information should be used to increase consumer awareness on food safety. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In the present study, situational analysis was conducted to obtain data on food safety knowledge and attitude of consumers. Results indicated that although some of the consumers could identify the carriers for foodborne diseases, such as cholera, food poisoning and jaundice, most of them did not know about the carriers of typhoid, gastroenteritis and amebiosis. Thus, efforts should be made to educate consumers about the relation between food and diseases and the importance of making proper food choices for consumption. Most consumers had a positive attitude toward food safety and believed government intervention would help in improving the quality of street foods. Such data can form the basis for seeking the attention of government to undertake measures to improve the quality of foods served at various food outlets. Also, it was found that very few consumers received information on food safety from various sources like magazines, TV/radio, posters, newspapers, health workers, nongovernment organizations, etc. This calls for attention of food safety educators to use a variety of audio-visual aids to spread the messages on food safety. Such area-specific data on consumers' knowledge on food safety can assist in developing food safety education programs. [source] Identification of Tetrodotoxin and Fish Species in an Adulterated Dried Mullet Roe Implicated in Food PoisoningJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2003Y.W. Hsieh ABSTRACT: There was 1 victim of neurotoxic food poisoning from an adulterated dried mullet roe in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in March 2001. The victim exhibited typical neurotoxic symptoms. The residue of dried mullet roe retained by the victim was assayed for toxicity and mitochondrial DNA. Its toxicity was 3450 mouse units per gram. The toxin was partially purified and identified as tetrodotoxin and derivative. The sequence of the 376-nucleotide region in the cytochrome b gene of the mitochondrial DNA exhibited the same genotype and the same restriction site for SapI as that of the toxic puffer fish Lagocephalus lunaris. [source] Policy on Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation ExposureJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 7 2003ANP-C FAANP, Mary Jo Goolsby EdD ABSTRACT Many nurse practitioners (NPs) practice in emergency and urgent-care settings, and fir more practical remote settings. NPs in each of these settings should be familiar with the assessment, stabilization, and treatment of patients who seek treatment for suspected intentional or accidental poisoning. This month's Clinical practice guideline (CPG) column reviews the "Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation Exposure." SUMMARY The ACEP "Clinical Policy for the Initial Approach to Patients Presenting With Acute Toxic Ingestion or Dermal or Inhalation Exposure" includes several helpful resources. In addition to recommending specific clinical actions in response to patient variables, the document includes a table identifying the antidote for many of the most commonly ingested drugs. These include digoxin, iron, opioids, salicylates, acetaminophen, and tricyclic antidepressants. The table also includes both the adult and pediatric dose of each listed antidote. A quick reference is included. This form can be used to guide the history, physical examination, and subsequent actions for treating patients with acute toxic ingestion or dermal or inhalation exposure. Finally, there is a quality assurance form to guide chart reviews. Many of the attributes of a well-developed guideline are identified in the report. The authors clearly identify the situations for which the recommendations are intended as well as those in which they do not apply. For instance, the guidance is not intended for use when patients are unstable and stabilization is the primary focus. It is also not intended for cases of radiation, parenteral, or eye exposure or of food poisoning. The authors describe the process used to develop the recommendations and identify the strength of the evidence on which each recommendation is based. The role of provider judgment in application of the guidance is addressed. Prior to its dissemination, the CPG was subjected to external review by dinical experts. This ACEP policy has applicability for the growing number of NPs working in emergency and urgent cafe settings as well as for those who must provide front line emergency care in remote settings. It provides a framework for responding to acute toxic exposures and provides several useful resources to assist the clinician in responding to situations in which accidental or intentional poisoning is suspected. [source] Antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts and flavonoids from Eucalyptus maculataLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004T. Takahashi Abstract Aims:, We investigated the antimicrobial activities of eucalyptus leaf extracts to find effective antibacterial agents. Methods and Results:, The antimicrobial activities of leaf extracts from 26 species of eucalyptus were measured. Extracts of Eucalyptus globulus, E. maculata and E. viminalis significantly inhibited the growth of six Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis, Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, Propionibacterium acnes), and of a fungus (Trichophyton mentagrophytes), but they did not show strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida). 2,,6,-dihydroxy-3,-methyl-4,-methoxy-dihydrochalcone, eucalyptin and 8-desmethyl-eucalyptin, isolated from E. maculata extracts, exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against seven micro-organisms with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1·0 to 31 mg l,1. Conclusions:, The eucalyptus extracts and three compounds from E. maculata were found to be effective against micro-organisms that cause food poisoning, acne and athlete's foot. Significance and Impact of the Study:, This study shows potential uses of extracts from E. globulus, E. maculata and E. viminalis, and antimicrobial compounds isolated from E. maculata. [source] Series of incidents of Listeria monocytogenes non-invasive febrile gastroenteritis involving ready-to-eat meatsLETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2002J. Sim Aims: A series of cases and outbreaks of febrile noninvasive gastrointestinal disease involving 31 identified cases was investigated in terms of the numbers and types of Listeria monocytogenes present in the suspect foods (ready-to-eat meats) and clinical samples from cases. Methods and Results: Foods and faecal samples involved in the incidents were tested for the presence and number of L. monocytogenes . Isolates were typed by macrorestriction analysis using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The foods contained high levels of L. monocytogenes , in one case 1·8 × 10 7 g ,1 . Faecal samples contained L. monocytogenes for up to 15 d after the contaminated food was consumed. All isolates from the food and faecal samples were of serotype 1/2 and were indistinguishable from one another by macrorestriction typing. Conclusions: It is likely that the meats were contaminated either during their manufacture after they had been cooked or by underprocessing. The long shelf lives on these products would have allowed the contaminating L. monocytogenes to grow to the high numbers measured in this study, causing food poisoning as described. Significance and Impact of the Study: Outbreaks of febrile noninvasive listeriosis are relatively rare. This report adds ready-to-eat meats to the range of foods that have acted as vehicles for such outbreaks. [source] Historical notes on botulism, Clostridium botulinum, botulinum toxin, and the idea of the therapeutic use of the toxinMOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue S8 2004Frank J. Erbguth MD Abstract Food-borne botulism probably has accompanied mankind since its beginning. However, we have only few historical sources and documents on food poisoning before the 19th century. Some ancient dietary laws and taboos may reflect some knowledge about the life-threatening consumption of poisoned food. One example of such a dietary taboo is the 10th century edict of Emperor Leo VI of Byzantium in which manufacturing of blood sausages was forbidden. Some ancient case reports on intoxications with Atropa belladonna probably described patients with food-borne botulism, because the combination of dilated pupils and fatal muscle paralysis cannot be attributed to an atropine intoxication. At the end of the 18th century, some well-documented outbreaks of "sausage poisoning" in Southern Germany, especially in Württemberg, prompted early systematic botulinum toxin research. The German poet and district medical officer Justinus Kerner (1786,1862) published the first accurate and complete descriptions of the symptoms of food-borne botulism between 1817 and 1822. Kerner did not succeed in defining the suspected "biological poison" which he called "sausage poison" or "fatty poison." However, he developed the idea of a possible therapeutic use of the toxin. Eighty years after Kerner's work, in 1895, a botulism outbreak after a funeral dinner with smoked ham in the small Belgian village of Ellezelles led to the discovery of the pathogen Clostridium botulinum by Emile Pierre van Ermengem, Professor of bacteriology at the University of Ghent. The bacterium was so called because of its pathological association with the sausages (Latin word for sausage = "botulus") and not,as it was suggested,because of its shape. Modern botulinum toxin treatment was pioneered by Alan B. Scott and Edward J. Schantz. © 2004 Movement Disorder Society [source] Invasive food poisoning caused by Salmonella oranienburgPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2002Takashi Nakano No abstract is available for this article. [source] Differential characterization of biogenic amine-producing bacteria involved in food poisoning using MALDI-TOF mass fingerprintingPROTEOMICS - CLINICAL APPLICATIONS, Issue 8-9 2010Inmaculada C. Fernández-No This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 1116,1127, DOI 10.1002/elps.200900591 [source] Bioorganic studies on marine natural products,diverse chemical structures and bioactivitiesTHE CHEMICAL RECORD, Issue 5 2006Daisuke Uemura Abstract The discovery of new molecules contributes to the development of basic scientific concepts, leads to valuable drug-oriented compounds, and suggests possible new pharmacological reagents. Newly discovered substances can even be responsible for the creation of new scientific fields. Due to the radically different habitats of marine organisms, several notable examples of secondary metabolites from marine organisms have been isolated. Two of the most remarkable properties of these compounds are their structural and physiological diversities. These bioactive compounds are candidates for drugs or biological probes for physiological studies. Palytoxin is a polyol compound that shows extreme acute toxicity. Halichondrins are remarkable antitumor macrolides from sponge. Pinnatoxins, potent shellfish poisons, cause food poisoning. This paper describes bioorganic studies on such newly discovered wonders of nature. Several bioactive marine alkaloids and important substances involved in dynamic ecological systems are also described. © 2006 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 6: 235,248; 2006: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20087 [source] | ||||||||||||||||