Foodborne Diseases

Common Foodborne Diseases Caused by Microorganisms

Salmonellosis is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which is commonly found in the intestines of mammals, reptiles, and birds and is usually spread to humans through consumption of foods of animal origin, including eggs, meat, and milk. Symptoms of salmonellosis include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; in persons with weakened immune systems or poor health, it can be life threatening. The CDC estimates that 1.4 million cases of salmonellosis occur in the United States annually, with approximately 500 fatal cases.

Campylobacteriosis is caused by Campylobacter bacteria. In some countries, campylobacteriosis is more common than salmonellosis, and worldwide it is the most commonly identified bacterial cause of diarrheal illness. Campylobacteriosis is transmitted mainly through drinking water, undercooked poultry, and raw milk; because Campylobacter bacteria live in the intestines of healthy birds, most raw poultry can be assumed to be contaminated with it. The symptoms of campylobacteriosis include fever, nausea, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea; major health consequences may develop in 2% to 10% of cases, including neurological disorders and reactive arthritis. The CDC estimates that there are more than 1 million cases of campylobacteriosis annually in the United States, with approximately 100 fatal cases.

Escherichia coli isatypeofbacterialivinginthe intestines of many animals, including humans and cattle. Most strains of E. coli are not harmful to humans; an exception is E. coli 0157:H7, which lives in the intestines of cattle and can have serious health effects when ingested by humans. This type of E. coli is usually ingested in undercooked ground beef, although it may also be transmitted through unpasteurized milk and fruit juice, contaminated water, uncooked produce, and person-to-person contact. Symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 poisoning include severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea; in 3% to 5% of the cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome may develop, which can result in kidney failure and death. The CDC estimates that about 73,000 people in the United States became ill from E. coli in 1999 and about 60 died.

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