A world perspective on Cronobacter research and surveillance

Transcription

1 1 st International Conference on Cronobacter January rd 2009 Dublin, Ireland A world perspective on Cronobacter research and surveillance Peter Karim Ben Embarek Department of Food Safety, Zoonoses & Foodborne Diseases World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland

2 Cronobacter: Assessing and managing risks Data for Assessments activities Data for management activities Surveillance.

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5 Novelty products

6 Cronobacter : sudden international concern 2003 Alert from certain countries to the problem Scientific assessment of E.sakazakii and other pathogens in PIF Codex initiate revision of the Code of Practice for infant formula 2005 World Health Assembly Resolution 2006 FAO/WHO Risk Assessment on E.sakazakii in PIF.

7 Cronobacter : International concern (2) 2007 WHO/FAO guidelines on safe preparation, handling & storage of PIF 2007 Codex finalize code of practice, sampling plans and micro criteria FAO/WHO web based user friendly risk management tool Codex adopt revised Code of Practice and Micro Criteria 2008 FAO/WHO Expert meeting on Cronobacter in follow up formula 2008 Codex develop micro criteria for follow up formula st International scientific conference on Cronobacter, Dublin.

8 What was different? Urgency High mortality in infants World Health Assembly requested rapid action Risk managers defined needs PIF meeting existing standards implicated in cases of illness Very specific product Product in international trade

9 Major discoveries Detection methods Development of wide range of methods (traditional and molecularbased) Sources of Cronobacter spp. PIF linked (milk powder and ingredients issues) Environment, Taxonomy 2008 name change E. sakazakii to Cronobacter spp. Evolving situation Cronobacter new genus with several new spp. Prevalence and control measures during production Role of wet environment for the maintenance and spread of in plant contamination Role of dry cleaning in reducing prevalence

10 Surveillance Approx 120 recorded cases of E.sakazakii (Cronobacter spp.) infections and colonisations in infants and young children from some 19 countries. Other age groups also affected (e.g. elderly) Embryonic and emerging information from developing countries

11 Key factors for successful future research & surveillance Probably first time we have had a risk assessment identifying data gaps to guide research. Committed industry organizations and consumer organizations supporting data collection. Critical mass of research groups.

12 Research and surveillance needs Data from other parts of the world. Some presented here but more needed Prevalence data Incidence of disease Surveillance systems No active surveillance systems anywhere in the world Need for lab-based systems Raising awareness of public health workers

13 Research and surveillance needs (2) Epidemiology. Different patterns of disease (severity) Differences between age groups Incidence/under-reporting Exposure of young children (6 month >) Role/impact of immunodeficiency in infants and young children (malnutrition, underweight, Vitamin deficiencies, co-infection, HIV/AIDS, )

14 Research and surveillance needs (3) Developments of standardized and affordable methods for surveillance and monitoring Dissemination of recent R&D outcomes Taxonomy Ecology At risk groups Epidemiology

15 Communication - For at-risk groups - Interventions available for risk reduction - Translation into national guidance - New languages for wider dissemination - Validation of current guidance for FUF

16 Cronobacter : International concern (2) st International scientific conference on Cronobacter, Dublin UCD-Center for Food Safety : WHO Collaborating Center for E.sakazakii

17 For further information : Internet : E. sakazakii tool E.mail: benembarekp@who.int Sarah.cahill@fao.org