Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Degree Name

Master of Medical and Health Science by Research

School

School of Medical and Health Sciences

First Supervisor

Edmore Masaka

Second Supervisor

Jacques Oosthuizen

Abstract

The foodborne pathogens of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), non STEC Escherichia coli (non STEC E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are currently non-notifiable in Australia unless attributed to a food poisoning outbreak. Due to the lack of data around individual cases and isolations in foods, any changes in prevalence may go undetected. The aim of the study was to determine any changes in prevalence of B. cereus, non STEC E. coli and S. aureus in ready-to-eat foods (RTE) sampled from Western Australian restaurants, cafés, catering facilities, and takeaway food premises during the period July 2009 to June 2022. The results from the linear-trend graphs derived from annual prevalence analysis and binary logistic regression models indicated an increase in prevalence over the 13-year period for B. cereus, and noted a decrease in prevalence for both S. aureus and non STEC E. coli. Additionally, there were changes in prevalence over time for the three bacteria in specific months, seasons, specific RTE foods and food premises types. An increase in prevalence over time of B. cereus pathogens in RTE foods has the potential to increase the risk of foodborne illness in the community. Understanding the potential factors in this observed increase in B. cereus, and the decrease in S. aureus and non STEC E. coli is key as they may impact environmental health practices and guidelines or change the current view on their ongoing significance in relation to notifiable pathogen isolations.

DOI

10.25958/74xs-1r35

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