Key Objectives:
The objectives of this roundtable are to present the utility of and determine best practices for standardizing the collection of exposure data from Salmonella and Campylobacter patients. We will discuss the use of standardized exposure data, both locally and nationally, including case-case comparisons for identifying exposures associated with sporadic illnesses, monitoring trends in exposure profiles and source attribution, and generating hypotheses during outbreak investigations. We will evaluate the feasibility of and methods for prioritizing standardized exposures, collecting, and compiling standardized exposure data from states. Lastly, we will discuss incorporating other enteric pathogens in the future.
Brief Summary:
Campylobacter and Salmonella are the two most common bacterial causes of acute gastroenteritis in the United States with an estimated 1.3 million Campylobacter and 1.2 million Salmonella infections occurring annually. Exposure data from patients are needed to attribute sources of infection, monitor trends in exposure profiles, and identify outbreak vehicles. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) began collecting standardized exposure data for Salmonella and Campylobacter in 2014 for use in attribution analyses and other case-case comparisons. Widespread collection of exposure data would facilitate more robust analyses, allow for identification of risk factors and regional exposure profile differences, and guide control measures.