GI Pathogens

Norovirus

Most common cause of food borne disease outbreaks

what makes Norovirus a problem?

small infectious dose

last days on surfaces

hand sanitizer does not disinfect

Salmonella

invades the colon epithelial barrier

inflammatory diarrhea

what makes Salmonella a problem?

bacteria may spread and cause speticemia

E. Coli 0157

Also called STEC

Produces exotoxin

STEC Complications

5-10% of cases develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

kidney damage occurs as a result

Listeria monocytogenes

foodborne pathogen

not a diahrreal disease

Listeria monocytogenes resivoir

plants, soil, water

what causes listeria outbreaks?

food eaten without cooking

who is most at risk in listeria outbreaks?

pregnant women

adults over 65

immunocompromised

What makes listeria dangerous?

Crosses blood brain barrier

crosses placenta

Hepatitis A

RF include consuming contaminated food and lack of sanitation

HAV vaccine available

Hepatitis B

transmitted by infected blood and body fluids

5-10% result in chronic infection

increases the risk of liver cancer

Vaccine available

Hepatitis C

transmitted only through infected blood, mild to no symptoms

75-85% become chronic, no vaccine

causes liver damage and increases the risk of liver cancer