Investigation of the most common bacterial agents in food outbreaks in Semnan province

Today, Foodborne diseases (FBD) are one the important concerns in the world. The indiscriminate and incorrect use of antibiotics has caused resistance in many bacteria, which is a serious threat to public health. This study was conducted on all food-borne outbreaks that occurred in Semnan Province during one year (April to March 2020). The samples were examined for isolation and detection of Salmonella, Shigella, and Escherichia coli O: 157: H7. Data were collected based on a questionnaire and laboratory data. The results of the study were analyzed by SPSS software version 19. The results showed that the prevalence of outbreaks in women (46 %) was higher than in men and children. The age group of 24 to 44 (31.57%) included the most affected cases. The frequency of the outbreak in the city (%57/31) was higher than in the village (%42/69). The incidence of bacterial agents in water was lower than in food and homemade food consumption was lower than takeout food (44/45%). About (73%) of the bacterial abundance belonged to Escherichia coli species. Shigella and Salmonella contamination of food was 2.9%. According to the results of the present study, women are the most vulnerable groups, and consumption of takeout foods and urbanization are important causes of food outbreaks in Semnan province. Also, Salmonella and Shigella can be considered as important causes of diarrhea in Semnan food outbreaks.