What Types of Foodborne Infections Should You Be Aware Of?
Whether you’re a health-conscious individual, or just want to make sure your family is safe, you should be aware of foodborne infections. These infections can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria and viruses. There are several types of foodborne infections that you should be aware of, including Hepatitis A, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli.
Salmonella
Among the many pathogens that can contaminate food, Salmonella is a major cause of foodborne infections. Salmonella can be found in a variety of foods, including animal-originated foods, water, and wild birds. These foods can be inhaled or ingested and may be associated with a variety of symptoms.
A number of studies have shown that Salmonella infections are associated with a number of different food sources, including beef, milk, and eggs. Salmonella can also be found in the feces of individuals who have been infected with Salmonella. The rate of Salmonella infection has increased dramatically in recent years. It is estimated that Salmonella infections can lead to 155,500 deaths globally each year.
Infections with Salmonella and Listeria can be caused by contaminated food or water. The main source of Salmonella in humans is animal-based foods. The most common Salmonella transmission source to humans is poultry meat. Infections with Listeria are associated with raw milk cheeses and unheated frankfurters.
The presence of Salmonella in the intestines can alter the microbiota and may lead to foodborne illnesses. A phage intervention can limit pathogen growth and may reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. A number of different phages have been used to reduce Salmonella contamination in fresh products. These interventions include SalmoFresh, which is a cocktail of six lytic phages that target Listeria monocytogenes.
Salmonella infection is more common in minority populations. This is likely due to persistent patterns of food handling and food consumption in these populations. In addition, a variety of socioeconomic factors contribute to higher rates of foodborne illnesses. For example, a study of Italian children found that low social class was associated with Salmonella infection.
Escherichia coli
Among the numerous foodborne illnesses, an Escherichia coli foodborne infection is one of the most serious. This bacterium is found in raw meats, and it can lead to serious illness. The bacterium produces a toxin, which makes the food a risky proposition.
Symptoms of an Escherichia coli foodborne illness may include diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and trouble speaking. Other symptoms include droopy eyelids, difficulty breathing, and double vision.
The disease is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, although it can be transmitted by other means. Foodstuffs that may cause a foodborne illness include raw meat, fish, seafood, and undercooked foods. Other causes include metals, chemicals, viruses, fungi, and bacteria.
An Escherichia coli foodborne disease is a surprisingly common ailment. Besides, raw meat can be contaminated with bacteria during the slaughtering process. The disease can also be spread through contaminated water. Water may contain bacteria from sewage sludge, or it may be contaminated by animal manure.
The most important symptom of foodborne disease is usually nausea and vomiting. Symptoms may appear within hours, but can also persist for days. Food poisoning can also be caused by the presence of other bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. The most common contaminant of beef is the Escherichia coli bacteria.
The best way to prevent a foodborne illness is to wash your hands frequently and wash food contact surfaces with warm soapy water. Using sanitizers such as chlorine can also help.
There are many ways to contract a foodborne disease, but most outbreaks are caused by food-handling workers with poor hygiene. In addition to personal hygiene, food plants should also practice proper sanitation, including proper packaging and processing methods.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Several diseases have been associated with foodborne infections, including Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Most people recover quickly and completely, but some have lasting effects. If you have Guillain-Barre Syndrome, you’ll need to follow certain treatment plans to help ease your symptoms.
GBS is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your own nerves. Normally, your immune system uses special white blood cells to defend your body. However, if your immune system is triggered by an infection or foodborne pathogen, it attacks your nerves.
Guillain-Barre syndrome often occurs after an infection of the digestive system or respiratory tract. It usually begins with tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet. The pain may progress to weakness and eventually paralysis. Some people with severe GBS also develop breathing problems, which can be fatal.
Although the cause of GBS is unknown, medical researchers believe it’s an autoimmune reaction. If your immune system is triggered by an infection, your body attacks your own nerves, changing their chemical structure. These chemicals resemble the chemicals found on the nerve cells that are infected. The chemicals disrupt the nerve’s ability to send signals.
If you have Guillain-Barre syndrome, you’ll need to get immediate medical attention. You may be treated with blood thinners to help prevent blood clots from developing. You may also have to stay in the hospital for several weeks.
Treatments may ease the pain and other symptoms. They can also help improve bladder function and bowel function. You may also need to use a ventilator to help you breathe.
People who have Guillain-Barre syndrome may also experience irregular heart rhythms and blood pressure fluctuations. Symptoms usually develop about two weeks after you get sick.
Reactive Arthritis
Various studies have shown that people who suffer from foodborne infections are more likely to develop reactive arthritis. This inflammatory arthritis occurs after infection and affects many different areas of the body. It can affect the joints, the eyes, and the urinary tract.
Reactive arthritis can occur as a result of infections with several types of bacteria. Typically, the bacteria enter the body through contaminated surfaces, spoiled food, or sexual contact. It may also be caused by viral food poisoning.
Reactive arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects people of all ages. It is not contagious, but it can come back in some people for years after the initial flare. People with reactive arthritis usually develop joint and muscle pain, as well as swelling. It is also possible for a person to have a skin rash on the soles of their feet, mouth ulcers, and a burning sensation while urinating. It may also cause problems with the aortic heart valve.
It is possible to determine the cause of reactive arthritis through blood tests. These tests can detect signs of inflammation and show whether a person has antibodies against a certain type of arthritis. Sometimes, stool tests or urogenital swabs can also identify an infection that preceded the onset of reactive arthritis.
People who have reactive arthritis often have other infections that can also cause pain and discomfort. For example, women who have a urinary tract infection may develop a cervix infection, vulvovaginal infection, or an inflammation of the fallopian tubes. Men with reactive arthritis may have prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland, or an infection of the urethra.
People who suffer from reactive arthritis may need to take medications to ease the pain. In some cases, patients are also referred to an ophthalmologist for treatment. In addition to this, they may need to keep their healthcare team informed of any changes in their symptoms.
Hepatitis A
Viruses that cause hepatitis A are spread by contact with contaminated food, water, and hands. This is an infection that is not easily preventable. However, it is a relatively common disease in low-income and middle-income countries.
In 1988, hepatitis A epidemics affected about 300 thousand people worldwide. It is a very contagious disease, which can result in serious economic losses. Approximately 7% of hepatitis A cases are attributed to eating contaminated food.
The symptoms of hepatitis A include fever, nausea, fatigue, abdominal pain, anorexia, and dark-colored urine. The virus can cause inflammation of the liver, which can result in liver failure. The disease can also lead to death.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 1,500 people are diagnosed with hepatitis A every year. However, there are reports that indicate that many more people are infected than reported. In addition to foodborne outbreaks, people can get infected through sexual contact or through close personal contact with an infected person.
Symptoms of hepatitis A typically begin around two weeks after exposure. They are usually followed by a period of recovery. However, in some cases, symptoms can reappear after recovery. Symptoms of hepatitis can include jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
The virus that causes hepatitis A is a member of the genus Hepatovirus in the family Picornaviridae. It is found in human feces and is easily transmitted from person to person. It is usually acquired through close personal contact, including through eating contaminated food, or by drinking water contaminated with feces.
If you have been infected with hepatitis A, you should avoid foods that have been cooked at high temperatures and avoid drinking water that is contaminated with feces. You should also ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly before handling raw foods.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/