Foodborne Illness and Unknown Agents
Author Information
Author(s): Paul S. Mead, Laureance Slutsker, Patricia M. Griffin, Robert V. Tauxe
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
The study aims to estimate the frequency of foodborne transmission for unknown agents based on known pathogens.
Conclusion
The study provides improved estimates of foodborne illness impact, which can inform public health policy.
Supporting Evidence
- The study's estimates help define gaps in existing knowledge.
- Current surveillance and prevention efforts are not undermined by the study's findings.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at how many foodborne illnesses might be caused by unknown germs by using information from known germs.
Methodology
The study used outbreak data to estimate the frequency of sporadic cases of foodborne illness.
Limitations
The study acknowledges limitations in extrapolating outbreak data to sporadic cases and the need for more research on undiagnosed illnesses.
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