Ynes R. Ortega - Böcker

Microbiologists are being challenged as foodborne outbreaks are increasingly being observed worldwide. Most of these outbreaks are associated with viral and bacterial pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and lately Escherichia coli O157:H7, which emerged in the 1990s. Although parasites have been evolving with Man since antiquity, the control and eradication of these diseases are still far from being achieved. They are more frequently being reported in the literature as causative agents of food and waterborne illnesses. Foodborne Parasites examines the two major parasite groups that are transmitted via water or foods: the protozoa, which are single celled organisms, and the helminths. The helminths are classified in three sub groups: cestodes (tapeworms), nematodes (round worms), and trematodes (flukes). To better understand their significance, each chapter covers the biology, mechanisms of pathogenesis, epidemiology, treatment, and inactivation of these parasites. This important new text is crucial to a better understanding of the biology and control of parasitic infections necessary to reduce and eliminate future outbreaks in the U.S. and elsewhere.

This Brief provides a comprehensive overview of Cyclospora cayetanensis, a protozoan apicomplexan parasite that leads to outbreaks of traveler's diarrhea in consumers. The main characteristics of Cyclospora cayetanensis infection are covered, including documented outbreaks, regional patterns and statistics. Various transmission routes for this parasite are outlined, with a focus on foodborne transmission. A major focus of Cyclospora Cayetanensis As A Foodborne Pathogen is the detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis in different food matrices. Decontamination procedures for the occurrence of this parasite in all major food types are outlined in detail, as well as current risk assessment procedures and regulations. The difficulty in minimizing the risk of infection in fresh produce is covered, plus potential solutions for this problem. This Brief not only comprehensively covers the current state of foodborne Cyclospora cayetanensis  but also looks to future challenges in the  detection, prevention and removal of this parasite in foods.

The globalization and commercialization of the food system has unintentionally led to the introduction of new foodborne parasites in countries worldwide.