Advances in the Epidemiology of Foodborne Illnesses: A Comprehensive Review of Detection Methods, Pathogen Dynamics, and Public Health Implications

Abstract

Background: Foodborne illnesses remain a critical public health issue, with pathogens causing millions of infections and thousands of deaths annually. The World Health Organization estimates that foodborne diseases lead to approximately 23 million illnesses and 5,000 fatalities each year in Europe alone. This review examines recent advances in the epidemiology of foodborne pathogens, highlighting the impact of factors such as food safety practices, environmental sanitation, and climate change on disease transmission.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive analysis of both traditional and innovative detection methods for foodborne pathogens, including culture-based techniques, biochemical assays, immunological methods, and advanced biosensor technologies. Through a systematic review of literature from peer-reviewed sources, we identified significant trends in pathogen prevalence and detection efficacy.

Results: Results indicate that traditional methods, while reliable, are often time-consuming and labor-intensive, with culture-based techniques requiring up to several days for confirmation. In contrast, newer biosensor technologies and molecular diagnostics, including CRISPR-Cas systems, offer rapid detection with heightened sensitivity and specificity, allowing for timely intervention in food safety management.

Conclusion: While significant progress has been made in the detection and understanding of foodborne pathogens, challenges remain in the implementation of these advanced methods in industrial settings. Future research should focus on optimizing detection techniques to ensure rapid, accurate identification of pathogens, thus enhancing food safety and public health outcomes.