An Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Linked to a Foodhandler
Eva S. Quiroza b c, Caryn Bernd✉, John R. MacArthurb d, Lihua Xiaoe, Madeleine Fletcherf, Michael J. Arrowoode, David K. Shayc, Martin E. Levyf, Roger I. Glassc, Altaf A. Lale
- aEpidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, and Respiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
- bEpidemic Intelligence Service, Epidemiology Program Office, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- cRespiratory and Enteric Viruses Branch, Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- dEpidemiology Branch, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- eImmunology Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- fDepartment of Health, Washington, DC
- ✉Corresponding author
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Abstract
In September and October 1998, a cryptosporidiosis outbreak occurred on a Washington, DC, university campus. In a case-control study of 88 case patients and 67 control subjects, eating in 1 of 2 cafeterias was associated with diarrheal illness (P<.001). Morbidity was associated with eating dinner on 22 September (odds ratio, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-19.5); weaker associations were found for 6 other meals. Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in stool specimens of 16 (70%) of 23 ill students and 2 of 4 ill employees. One ill foodhandler with laboratory-confirmed C. parvum prepared raw produce on 20-22 September. All 25 Cryptosporidium isolates submitted for DNA analysis, including 3 from the ill foodhandler, were genotype 1. This outbreak illustrates the potential for cryptosporidiosis to cause foodborne illness. Epidemiologic and molecular evidence indicate that an ill foodhandler was the likely outbreak source.
TL;DRIn September and October 1998, a cryptosporidiosis outbreak occurred on a Washington, DC, university campus and Epidemiologic and molecular evidence indicate that an ill foodhandler was the likely outbreak source. (Semantic Scholar)