Browsing by Author "Thebault, Anne"
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- Editorial note to the special issue “Risk factors for sporadic foodborne diseases by meta-analysis of observational studies”Publication . Gonzales-Barron, Ursula; Cadavez, Vasco; Thebault, Anne; Kooh, Pauline; Sanaa, MoezEpidemiological studies are valuable tools for investigating the origin of outbreaks and also sporadic cases in order to better understand the circumstances of foodborne disease occurrence. It is common to report ad hoc analyses of compiled data of food-borne disease outbreaks, however, such analyses including sporadic cases remain relatively rare. In the literature, several case-control and cohort studies have been published that investigate associations of sporadic foodborne diseases with diverse exposure pathways, foods, food handling practices and health pre-conditions in different populations. This special issue compiles several epidemiological studies of spo- radic cases of leading foodborne infectious diseases, and summarises the measurements of associations (odds ratios) of risk factors with the occurrence of sporadic cases. These odds ratio estimates in combination with the frequency of exposure to risk factors will allow the contribu- tions of the different risk factors to be assessed based on calculations of attributable fractions. Source attribution has been traditionally accom- plished by different methods such as epidemiological studies, microbial subtyping models, comparative exposure assessments and expert’s knowledge elicitation. Yet, there has been very few publications using meta-analysis to better understand risk factor identification and help prioritize and quantify interventions measures to reduce the impact of foodborne diseases.
- Pathogens-in-Foods (PIF): An open-access European database of occurrence data of biological hazards in foodsPublication . Gonzales-Barron, Ursula; Faria, Ana Sofia; Thebault, Anne; Guillier, Laurent; Mendes, Lucas Ribeiro; Silva, Lucas Ribeiro; Messens, Winy; Kooh, Pauline; Cadavez, VascoThe collection of occurrence data of foodborne pathogens in foods faces the hindrances of dispersion of information, lack of standardisation and harmonisation, and ultimately, high expenditure in time and resources. The Pathogens-in-Foods (PIF) database was conceived as a solution to centralise published data on prevalence and concentration of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and parasites occurring in foods, obtained through systematic review (SR), and categorised in harmonised data structures under controlled terminologies. The present article outlines how PIF was constructed to adhere to the FAIR (findability, accessibility, interoperability and reusability) principles for scientific data management; and proceeds with a description of the PIF concept, which entails two phases: the SR process and the population of PIF. The protocolled SR process is supported by a welldefined search strategy, inclusion criteria, and rules for internal validation assessment; whereas the population of PIF with new data relies in data extraction, validation and release. The article then introduces a novel data quality approach, named as the CCC approach (data consistency, conformity and completeness), which ensures proper interpretation of data, richness of data, and flawless transcription of data. After a brief explanation of the three PIF components – database, back-end and front-end – the article proceeds with the exposition of the data model, as well as the capabilities of the front-end, including data search, insertion and curation. The future of PIF lies in expanding its capabilities, addressing emerging challenges, and leveraging technological advancements to maintain its relevance and utility in the evolving landscape of food safety.
- Pathogens-in-Foods database: A web application for assessing the occurrence data of microbiological hazards in foods marketed in EuropePublication . Faria, Ana Sofia; Winter, Maiara; Thebault, Anne; Guillier, Laurent; Sanaa, Moez; Kooh, Pauline; Cadavez, Vasco; Gonzales-Barron, UrsulaPathogens-in-Foods (PIF) is a dynamic database constructed using systematic literature searches of occurrence data (prevalence and enumeration) of important pathogenic agents (Bacillus cereus, Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia enterocolitica, Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Hepatitis A virus, Hepatitis E virus and Norovirus) in foods randomly surveyed across Europe. After filtering the primary studies, these were screened for relevance and methodological quality, and the data were extracted into the PIF database following a systematic categorisation of microbiological methods, food types and outcomes. The database is freely accessible through a web application that facilitates data retrieval according to several relevant variables. The PIF spans data published from 2000 onwards and is intended for use by researchers and food authorities after meta-analysis, in microbiological risk assessment.
- Risk factors for sporadic toxoplasmosis: a systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Thebault, Anne; Kooh, Pauline; Cadavez, Vasco; Gonzales-Barron, Ursula; Villena, IsabelleToxoplasmosis is considered as the most prevalent parasitic zoonotic infection worldwide. The parasitic cycle is mostly known, but the relative contribution of different sources and pathways of transmission was not previously studied by a meta-analysis. A systematic review and a meta-analysis of case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies were performed to determine the main risk factors associated with sporadic Toxoplasma infection. Suitable scientific articles were identified through a systematic literature search and subjected to a methodological quality assessment. Mixed-effects meta-analysis models were adjusted by population type – children, mixed population, and pregnant women – to appropriate data partitions. 187 primary studies passed the quality assessment stage, investigating risk factors for sporadic infection with Toxoplasma gondii conducted between 1983 and 2016. Cases were defined by serology. The meta-analysis of Toxoplasma sporadic infections revealed the significance of transmission by environmental factors such as contact with soil and contact with animals, in particular cats. The consumption of raw or undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables significantly increased the odds of acquiring the disease. Shellfish and raw milk were identified as significant sources of toxoplasmosis. Almost all meat categories were identified as risk factors: pork, poultry, beef, processed meat, lamb, and game meat. Contaminated drinking water may play a role in the acquisition of infection. Moreover, the lack of hygiene in preparing food was identified as a risk factor. A significant risk factor for pregnant women is traveling abroad. Lastly, blood transfusion (in pregnant women) and immunocompromised conditions were found associated with positive serology. The broad definition of exposures and the use of serology for the case definition are the main limitations for the interpretation of the results of this meta-analysis. The transmission pathways require further investigations using longitudinal studies and subtyping approaches.