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

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

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

Mary Nkongho Tanyitiku et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Aug.

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.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Prevalence of foodborne pathogens in land snails sampled in 3 selected locations, Buea, Cameroon. June–October 2019. STEC, Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli.
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