A2 The influence of organisations page 48 Flashcards
What strain of E. coli was identified in the 2017 outbreak?
The strain identified was E. coli O157.
Why was the detection of 12 cases in a short period concerning?
The short period and the number of cases suggested the infections were likely linked to a single source.
What method did PHE use to quickly identify the source of the outbreak?
PHE used Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to rapidly identify that all cases had the same genetic fingerprint.
How did loyalty cards help in identifying the contaminated product?
Loyalty cards allowed the supermarket to track exactly what brand of burgers the infected individuals had purchased.
What action did the supermarket take after identifying the contaminated product?
The supermarket issued a recall, contacted customers to return the product, and traced the contamination source.
How can Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) help in outbreak investigations?
WGS allows for rapid comparison of genetic material, helping to confirm the common source of infections quickly.
How do you think E. coli could have contaminated the meat in this case study?
Contamination could have occurred through improper handling or processing of the meat.
What mechanisms would help reduce the risk of contamination in the future?
Implementing stricter hygiene protocols and monitoring during meat processing can help reduce contamination risks.
