Expanding the horizons of foodborne listeriosis

Article Abstract:

Listeriosis, an infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, was a relatively rare disease before 1980. A large outbreak of listeriosis in Boston city hospitals in 1979 indicated that the disease was transmitted by contaminated foods. Two research studies found that individual cases of listeriosis as well as large outbreaks of listeriosis are caused by contaminated foods such as under-cooked chicken and soft cheeses. A new system needs to be developed to identify which strains of Listeria monocytogenes are responsible for epidemic outbreaks and individual cases of listeriosis. Contamination of refrigerated foods by Listeria monocytogenes is common, but only strains that produce certain chemicals may cause listeriosis. Future research studies need to examine environmental factors that may regulate the release of these substances. This information may help determine which strains of the bacterium cause listeriosis.

Editorial, Risk factors, Listeriosis

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Passive transfer of HIV antibody by hepatitis B immune globulin

Article Abstract:

Two newborn babies of mothers carrying hepatitis B and at high risk for infection with the AIDS virus were studied for evidence of the AIDS virus. (Hepatitis B is a viral disease that can cause fever, malaise, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.) The two newborns had antibodies to the AIDS virus in their blood which persisted as long as 17 days after birth. The presence of antibodies usually indicates the presence of the virus. Both infants had been vaccinated against hepatitis B shortly after birth; the vaccine contained antibodies to AIDS. While the hepatitis B vaccine cannot transmit AIDS, administration of older lots of the vaccine can result in transient positive test results for AIDS antibody in newborns of at-risk mothers. Lots manufactured from screened plasma do not contain AIDS antibodies.

Research, Maternal-fetal exchange, Complications and side effects, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Disease transmission, Hepatitis B vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccines

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Public health experts take aim at a moving target: foodborne infections

Article Abstract:

Improved efforts are needed to detect dangerous microorganisms in food and to quickly track down the causes of food poisoning. Outbreaks of E. coli infection from apple juice and Cyclospora infection from raspberries highlight the threat of dangerous organisms in food. Much of this occurs because US consumers are eating more organically grown produce and many organic farms use cow manure as fertilizer. However, cow manure can be a source of E. coli. Another problem is that food is imported from other countries and shipped all over the US. That makes it hard to track down the culprit in epidemics of food poisoning.

Prevention, Causes of, Foodborne diseases, Food poisoning, Pathogenic microorganisms

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