Author
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Wesley, Irene |
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Submitted to: Journal of Food Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/1996 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium, is the most common cause of human chronic gastric infection. Arcobacter butzleri is closely related to H. pylori and to Campylobacter jejuni, which is a major cause of human enteritis. H. pylori is present in feces, sewage, and water, but is killed by routine chlorination. Therefore, in developing countries, consumption of sewage-contaminated drinking water and vegetables may pose a risk. H. pylori has not been recovered from cattle, hogs, and poultry. Therefore, meats are not a probable vehicle for human transmission. A. butzleri is associated with human enteritis. Contact with contaminated water is cited as a major risk factor. A. butzleri has been cultured from cattle feces and carcasses, poultry carcasses, ground pork, and ground turkey meats. The thermal sensitivities of A. butzleri and C. jejuni are comparable. Therefore, properly cooking foods and chlorinating water reduces the risk of transmitting H. pylori and A. butzleri to humans. This information is of value to action agencies which are assessing the risk of food transmission of H. pylori and A. butzleri. Technical Abstract: Helicobacter pylori is the most common chronic infection in man and has been recovered from 90% of duodenal ulcer cases, 80% of gastric ulcer patients and up to 60% of gastric carcinoma cases. Asymptomatic family members may also be infected. In developing countries more than 50% of the population is infected, whereas in industrialized nations less than 50% are seropositive. Herein we review the evidence for transmission of H. pylori via foods and beverages. The bacteria is detected in feces, sewage, and via sensitive PCR-based methods. In developing countries, consumption of sewage-contaminated drinking water and vegetables may pose a risk. Because of host specificity and the lack of evidence for H. pylori, at least at this time, in cattle, hogs and poultry, meats are not a realistic vehicle for human transmission. The genus Arcobacter encompasses aerotolerant campylobacter-like organisms that replicate at 30 C. In humans, A. butzleri is associated with enteritis and abdominal cramps, with contact with contaminated water cited as a major risk factor. Arcobacter spp. have been cultured from water, cattle, poultry carcasses, pigs, and ground pork. The irradiation sensitivities of A. butzleri and C. jejuni are comparable, suggesting that the guidelines proposed for irradiating meat to eliminate Campylobacter would be suitable for Arcobacter. Based on current detection methodologies, the risk of transmission to humans of H. pylori and A. butzleri via properly cooked foods and chlorinated water is negligible. |
