Selection And Application Of Methods For The Detection And Enumeration Of Human Pathogenic Halophilic Vibrio Spp In Seafood

Selection and application of methods for the detection and enumeration of human-pathogenic halophilic Vibrio spp. in seafood

One of the challenges to data collection to inform food safety decision making and monitor the implementation and efficacy of control measures to manage specific food safety is the availability of the appropriate methodology. The development of methods for the isolation and identific of pathogenic Vibrio spp. in seafoods is evolving quickly. This often means that methods become more sensitive and efficient but the cost may also increase. However the pace of development also means that there is not always adequate time to to comprehensively validate a method for a particular purpose. This publication aims to provide guidance on the selection on the most appropriate method to meet a particular purpose and how in a constantly changing environment some local validation work can be undertaken to ensure a method meets the current needs of a regulator, industry or risk assessor.

Advances in science and risk assessment tools for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus associated with seafood

Globally, the Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus represent important human pathogens associated with the consumption of seafood. In response to the requests for scientific advice from Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH), risk assessments for the pathogens V. vulnificus, V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and guidance on methods for the detection of Vibrio spp. with seafood have been conducted and published previously by JEMRA. In order to provide an update on the state-of-the-art advice regarding risk assessment for V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus in seafood, an expert meeting was convened. Several critical developments in the last decade were subsequently noted by the expert working group: 1) The emergence of highly pathogenic strains; 2) In response to climate change, there has been a significant geographical spread regarding when and where these seafood-associated Vibrio infections; 3) Demographic considerations are very important; 4) A range of new approaches for best practice; and 5) A range of new methods, such as those utilising genomics and satellite imagery. This report describes the output of that expert meeting.

Advances in science and risk assessment tools for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus associated with seafood