Infectious Intestinal Diseases on the Island of Ireland
- Project start date: 10 July 2012
- Project status: Completed
- Project type: Food safety
- Discipline: Microbiology and food hygiene
- Author/s: Safefood internal research
- Collaborator/s: Health protection Surveillance Centre, Public Health Agency NI
Research objective
The primary objective of this research was to examine the burden of infectious intestinal diseases (IID) on the island of Ireland (IOI), focusing on four major bacterial infections: Salmonella, Campylobacter, verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157), and Listeria. By analysing the incidence rates, seasonal trends, and age groups most affected, the study aimed to provide insights into the effectiveness of current food safety measures and identify areas requiring further attention to improve public health outcomes related to foodborne illnesses.
Outputs
Research report
- Title: Infectious Intestinal Diseases on the Island of Ireland
- Publication date: 5 May 2012
- Summary: This report analyses the incidence and trends of four significant bacterial infections causing infectious intestinal diseases on the island of Ireland over a decade, from 2000 to 2010. The study focuses on Salmonella, Campylobacter, verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (VTEC O157), and Listeria, comparing data from Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
- Findings:
1. Campylobacter
- The crude incidence rate of campylobacteriosis has been consistently higher in NI than in ROI since 2000.
- Incidence rates have remained stable over the ten-year period.
- Seasonal peaks occur predictably in May and June, with the 0-4 year age group being the most affected.
2. Salmonella
- The crude incidence rate of salmonellosis has been higher in NI compared to ROI, although both regions have seen a decline in rates since 2000.
- Seasonal trends show peak incidence in August and September, with the 0-4 year age group being the most affected.
- The most common serotypes identified were Salmonella Enteritidis in NI and Salmonella Typhimurium in ROI, linked to poultry and pork products, respectively.
- Foreign travel was documented in 38% of salmonella cases in 2010.
3. VTEC O157
- Incidence rates of VTEC O157 have fluctuated over the decade, with a notable increase in ROI from 2004 to 2009, while rates in NI have remained stable and consistently lower.
- The highest incidence is observed in the 0-4 year age group.
4. Listeria
- Listeria infections have been relatively rare compared to other IID but saw a significant increase in cases in 2007 and 2008 in both jurisdictions.
- Recommendations:
- The burden of IID on the IOI presents an ongoing challenge for food safety promotion. The traditional food safety messages of “Cook; Clean; Chill, and avoid Cross contamination” remain crucial.
- Continuous monitoring of IID trends is vital for advancing the understanding of foodborne diseases and underpinning future prevention strategies for Safefood and other food safety agencies.
- Addressing differences in health-seeking behaviour and reporting between NI and ROI is essential for accurate incidence tracking and effective public health interventions.
You can download the report below.
