Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
On June, 22nd, 2013, Communicable Disease Control Center (CDCC) in Baghdad notified on an outbreak of Food Poisoning (FP) involving more than 100 persons attending a restaurant in Tikrit City, Salah Al Din province on21st, June.
OBJECTIVE:
to identify source, and causative agents of the outbreak.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A case seeries study conducted on accessed cases in Tikrit and Sala Al Din hospitals. Information on basic, clinical and food item consumed were collected using a questionnaire. Environmental assessment of the restaurant using a standardized checklist and bacteriology testing of food samples, patients’ stool specimens and different specimens from food handlers were conducted.
RESULTS:
A total of 214 persons who attended the restaurant sought medical care for acute gastroenteritis; 82 (38.3%) were admitted. Only 175 patients (including 11 affected food handlers) were accessed. Main symptoms were diarrhea (92.5%), nausea (87.5%), and vomiting (84.5%). Apart of one death, all other patients recovered completely. 32% of patients’ stool samples were positive for Salmonella typhimurium, and 30% of food specimens were positive for Staphylococcus aureus, and 10% for coliform bacteria; 13 food handlers were examined and specimens of blood, urine; and stool, and under the finger nail swabs, were negative. Health inspection of the restaurant revealed unhygienic food processing and poor personal hygiene of food handlers.
CONCLUSION:
Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium were the responsible pathogens. Contaminated food stuff and unhygenic foodhandlers practices were the source. Strengthening the role of health inspection, and upgrading local laboratory capacity were recommended.