Outbreak of Salmonella paratyphi B infections in connection with consumption of smoked fish

: In the period from 2-10 August 1991 an outbreak caused by S. paratyphi B occurred in five rural areas of the district of Leipzig. Eleven patients and one excreter were involved, and mild forms of disease were observed in most cases. In three of the patients a mixed infection with S. litchfield was diagnosed. Moreover at the same time 21 cases of enteritis caused by S. litchfield and three excreters associated with this serovar were registered in these five rural areas. Both infections with S. paratyphi B and S. litchfield occurred 1-3 days after consumption of smoked halibut. The fish smoked in a smokehouse in the Grimma rural area was delivered to the shops every day. The inspection of the smokehouse and the dispatch department provided no signs of contaminations. In the smoked fish samples investigated subsequently, Salmonella were no longer detectable. The results of typing confirm the identity of all S. paratyphi B strains isolated. The possibilities of contamination of the smoked halibut are discussed. This study emphasises the possible transmission of salmonella by way of the food fish. On that occasion also a non-frequent serovar such as S. paratyphi B can be isolated and a light course of disease as e.g. febrile gastroenteritis can be observed and may attain epidemiological significance.