INCIDENCE OF FOOD CONTAMINATION WITH STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN SUCEAVA COUNTY, ROMANIA

Abstract

Staphilococcus aureus is one of the most wide spread bacterial pathogens initiating food-borne disease worldwide. An investigation was conducted, between 2002 and 2011, in order to evaluate S. aureus contamination in various types of animal origin food, commonly consumed in Suceava County. A total of 781 samples were examined and 15.6% were found contaminated with S. aureus. Prevalence rates varied, recording the highest rate on 2006 when over 50% among the investigated food samples and over 20% among the food handlers (nasal cavity and hands) samples were contaminated. Of a particular case from 76 samples analyzed on 2002 and 2006 at Suceava-Bucsoaia students’ camp 38.1% were confirmed positive in both food samples and food handlers samples. None of the samples analyzed on 2011 were contaminated. Our findings indicate a substantial improvement of GMP in food processing units and catering divisions as well as the benefit of food safety systems implemented during this period in Suceava County.