Introduction: Acute enterocolitis is commonly caused by Salmonella infection. Many studies have established Yersinia enterocolitica as a common chitterling-associated pathogen, but no previous study has associated chitterling preparation and salmonellosis. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to parents of the 8 cases and 21 controls. All children were under 2 years, and all cases were diagnosed at one major medical center in Atlanta during November and December 2000. Twenty samples of chitterlings of varying brands were obtained from Metro Atlanta vendors, and were cultured for Salmonella. Results: Every ill child developed diarrhea, and three were hospitalized. Four different serotypes of Salmonella were identified on culture. Two children were also co-infected with Yersinia enterocolitica. Five of the eight cases (63%) had exposure to chitterlings, but no ill child consumed chitterlings. Ill children were 10 times more likely than non-ill children to be exposed to chitterlings (OR=10.0, r=0.0187). Nine of the twenty chitterling samples (45%) cultured positive for 3 different serotypes of Salmonella, and two were positive for multiple serotypes. Conclusion: Salmonella is common in chitterlings, and preparation of chitterlings is associated with salmonellosis in young children. In addition to Yersinia enterocolitica, physicians should also consider Salmonella in any child less than 2 years with diarrhea and exposure to chitterlings. Safe food preparation is essential to prevent cross-contamination, and includes pre-boiling the chitterlings prior to cleaning. Many persons who cook chitterlings believe pre-boiling would significantly alter the taste, though trials have shown no alteration of flavor by pre-boiling.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants shall be able to recognize and describe risk of salmonellosis in young children who are exposed to chitterlings. 2. Develop and implement an action plan for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of salmonellosis in young African-American children exposed to chitterlings.
Keywords: Child Health, Infectious Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.