Fundamental Food Microbiology, Third Edition - Fuad Fathir

OPPORTUNISTIC PATHOGENS, PARASITES, AND ALGAL TOXINS 413
with low resistance, the symptoms are generally flu-like, with fever and headache.
It can cause fatal deformation and be life-threatening in immunocompromised people.
Preventative measures include cooking meat to a minimal internal temperature
of 70�C or freezing at –20�C. 14
E. Giardiasis by Giardia lamblia
Giardiasis is produced by the intestinal protozan Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis has
been considered as food- and waterborne disease in many parts of the world. In the
U.S., between 1973 and 1987, five incidents infecting 131 individuals were confirmed.
The incidence is much higher in countries with inadequate sanitation facilities
and improper water supplies. Contaminated raw vegetables; foods such as salads
and sandwiches, contaminated with water containing the causative agent; and poor
personal hygiene are considered the major causes of the disease. The main symptoms
are acute or chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. The oocysts and cysts are excreted
in the feces of the affected individuals. Wild animals, such as beavers, can carry the
protozoa and contaminate water. Improved sanitary conditions and personal hygiene
are important to reduce the incidence. 9,15
F. Cryptosporidiosis by Cryptosporidium parvum
Cryptosporidium parvum is an intestinal protozoan and causes cryptosporidiosis
in humans through the consumption of contaminated food and water with the
oocysts. It can also be present in the GI tract of domesticated and wild animals
and contaminate food and water. The major symptoms of infection in humans
are watery diarrhea, fever, muscle aches, dehydration, and, in some debilitated
individuals, such as AIDS patients, death. Since 1993, there have been four
outbreaks in the U.S. from apple cider, chicken salad, and green onions. These
foods were contaminated with oocysts by the people infected with the protozoan
because they had poor personal hygiene. It is a significant cause of waterborne
protozoan disease in humans. The oocysts are resistant to disinfectants normally
used to treat water. 15,16
G. Cyclosporiasis by Cyclospora cayetanensis
Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidian intestinal protozoan and is considered a
newly emerging foodborne pathogen in the U.S. However, the pathogenic nature of
the protozoan has been recognized in many other countries for a long time. Humans
and some primates are the only natural hosts. Consumption of food and water
contaminated with the oocysts and subsequent infection results in the disease. The
main symptoms are watery diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and fatigue.
Since 1995, 80 outbreaks have been reported in the U.S. from the consumption of
contaminated raspberries, lettuce, and basil. In one year, contaminated raspberries
from Guatemala caused widespread outbreaks in 20 states. 16
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