Public Health Risk of Foodborne Pathogens in Edible African Land Snails, Cameroon

Mary Nkongho Tanyitiku; Graeme Nicholas; Igor C Njombissie Petcheu; Jon J Sullivan; Stephen L W On

doi:10.3201/eid2808.220722

Public Health Risk of Foodborne Pathogens in Edible African Land Snails, Cameroon

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Aug;28(8):1715-1717. doi: 10.3201/eid2808.220722.

Authors

Mary Nkongho Tanyitiku, Graeme Nicholas, Igor C Njombissie Petcheu, Jon J Sullivan, Stephen L W On

Abstract

In tropical countries, land snails are an important food source; however, foodborne disease risks are poorly quantified. We detected Campylobacter spp., Yersinia spp., Listeria spp., Salmonella spp., or Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli in 57%-86% of snails in Cameroon. Snail meat is a likely vector for enteric diseases in sub-Saharan Africa countries.

Keywords: African land snails; Cameroon; Campylobacter spp.; Listeria spp.; STEC; Salmonella spp.; Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli; Yersinia spp.; bacteria; enteric infections; food safety; foodborne pathogens; natural habitats; potential health risks.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Cameroon / epidemiology
Food Microbiology
Foodborne Diseases* / epidemiology
Humans
Public Health
Salmonella
Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli*