We describe multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Heidelberg infections associated with mechanically separated chicken (MSC) served at a county correctional facility.
Twenty-three inmates met the case definition. All reported diarrhea, 19 (83%) reported fever, 16 (70%) reported vomiting, 4 (17%) had fever ≥103°F, and 3 (13%) were hospitalized. A case–control study found no single food item significantly associated with illness. Salmonella Heidelberg with an indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis pattern was isolated from nine stool specimens; two isolates displayed resistance to a total of five drug classes, including the third-generation cephalosporin, ceftriaxone.
Salmonella Heidelberg might have contributed to the severity of illness. Salmonella Heidelberg indistinguishable from the outbreak subtype was isolated from unopened MSC. The environmental health assessment identified cross-contamination through poor food-handling practices as a possible contributing factor. Proper hand-washing techniques and safe food-handling practices were reviewed with the kitchen supervisor.
Multidrug-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg associated with mechanically separated chicken at a correctional facility
Foodborne Pathogens and Disease
Taylor Amanda L., Murphree Rendi, Ingram L. Amanda, Garman Katie, Solomon Deborah, Coffey Eric, Walker Deborah, Rogers Marsha, Marder Ellyn, Bottomley Marie, Woron Amy, Thomas Linda, Roberts Sheri, Hardin Henrietta, Arjmandi Parvin, Green Alice, Simmons Latoya, Cornell Allyson, and Dunn John