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Do you know how Campylobacter can reproduce silently in fresh food?
In nature, there is a bacteria called Campylobacter. Although it is not well-known, it plays an important role in human health. These curved bacteria are commonly found in fresh foods, especially meat and dairy products. As the consumption of fresh food increases, Campylobacter also reproduces, posing a potential threat to humans.
Campylobacter’s characteristics and living environment
Campylobacter is a gram-negative bacterium that usually has a curved shape and the ability to move. According to reports, these bacteria grow best in microaerophilic environments with temperatures between 37 and 42 degrees Celsius, and are commonly found in poultry and raw milk products.
These bacteria can be present in very high numbers in certain foods, especially raw poultry.
Diseases caused by Campylobacter
After being infected with Campylobacter, humans may experience intestinal discomfort symptoms such as diarrhea, a condition commonly known as Campylobacteriosis. According to reports, this bacterium is one of the major sources of bacterial foodborne illness in many developed countries. In Europe alone, more than 246,000 cases are diagnosed each year.
Methods of transmission
The main routes of transmission of Campylobacter include fecal-oral transmission, ingestion of contaminated food and water, and consumption of raw meat. Infected meat, especially raw poultry, is an important source of Campylobacter infection. Infection can occur from eating undercooked meat products or coming into contact with contaminated fresh produce.
Antibiotic resistance problem
It is worth noting that overuse of antibiotics may lead to resistance in some Campylobacter strains, especially in animal agriculture. This makes effective treatment more difficult.
According to research, an increasing number of quinolone-resistant strains have begun to appear for many Campylobacter strains.
Detection and Treatment
Normally, testing for Campylobacter requires taking a sample and sending it to a laboratory for culture. In most cases, the infection is self-limiting and is treated symptomatically with fluid and electrolyte replacement. In high-risk patients, antibiotics may be needed to prevent changes in the condition.
Global Example: Epidemiology of Campylobacter
In Canada, Campylobacter has been found to be one of the most common pathogens found in packaged chicken breasts. Investigations in Italy show that Campylobacter infection is relatively stable there and mainly affects adult men. In New Zealand, about 8,000 residents suffered gastrointestinal diseases due to water pollution in 2016.
In 2013, the UK's Food Standards Agency warned that more than two-thirds of raw chicken was contaminated with Campylobacter, affecting about 500,000 people every year.
Summary
Through continuous food safety management, we can reduce the chance of Campylobacter multiplying in fresh food and reduce the risk of infection. As globalization accelerates, Campylobacter's problem will only get worse. People may need to think about how to effectively prevent the health risks hidden behind the delicious food while enjoying fresh ingredients?
