Understanding Listeriosis Challenges in Africa: Risks, Transmission Dynamics, and Recommendations for Enhanced Food Safety

A recent article by Sibanda, et al., (2023) titled “Listeria monocytogenes at the food–human interface: A review of risk factors influencing transmission and consumer exposure in Africa” published in International Journal of Food Science & Technology, by John Wiley & Sons Ltd shows that Listeriosis is a foodborne disease that is not well understood or prioritized in Africa, despite causing the biggest outbreak in 2018 in South Africa.

This article delves into the challenges posed by listeriosis, a bacterial foodborne disease, in the African context. It explores various aspects, including the incidence and mortality rates in Africa compared to other global regions, potential reasons behind the historically low reported cases, and the emergence of recent outbreaks, particularly in South Africa.

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The article reveals that Listeriosis in Africa is insufficiently understood, posing a significant public health risk, requiring urgent interventions and awareness.– Sibanda et al., 2023

Listeriosis in Africa
Listeriosis is a serious bacterial foodborne disease caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The piece critically examines the incidence and mortality rates of listeriosis in Africa, drawing comparisons with other parts of the world. It sheds light on the factors contributing to the comparatively low reported cases in the past, while also addressing the recent upsurge in South Africa and the factors associated with this outbreak.

African Food Value Chains
African food value chains are characterized by a diverse range of products, an informal sector, environmental conditions, and a lack of food safety regulations and standards. This article provides insights into the characteristics and challenges of agri-food value chains in Africa. It highlights key factors such as product diversity, the prevalence of informal sectors, environmental conditions, and the absence of robust food safety regulations and standards.

Transmission Dynamics of L. monocytogenes
The transmission dynamics of L. monocytogenes in African food value chains are influenced by various factors, such as animal reservoirs, soil and water contamination, processing and storage practices, and consumer behavior. An in-depth analysis is presented on the sources, pathways, and influencing factors related to the transmission of L. monocytogenes in African food value chains.

How the Study was Conducted

The authors employed a systematic review of the existing literature on listeriosis in Africa by utilizing databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search encompassed articles published between 2000 and 2020, employing specific keywords and adhering to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted from the selected articles were data related to the epidemiology, risk factors, and control measures associated with listeriosis in the African context. The authors employed a descriptive analysis approach using Microsoft Excel and R software. The authors computed various metrics, including the incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates of listeriosis in Africa. Additionally, they examined the distribution of cases based on factors such as age, gender, and country. The authors also delved into identifying the primary sources and vehicles responsible for the transmission of Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore, the study explored the challenges and opportunities linked to the prevention and control of listeriosis in the African region.

What the Authors Found

The authors found that Listeriosis is a foodborne disease that is not well understood or prioritized in Africa, despite causing the biggest outbreak in 2018 in South Africa. The authors also found that African food value chains (FVCs) have become longer and more informal, with increased consumption of processed ready-to-eat (RTE) foods that are associated with higher risk of L. monocytogenes exposure.

Why is this Important

Public health risk: L. monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can cause severe infections, especially in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. The study found that L. monocytogenes was prevalent in various ready-to-eat foods and pasteurized milk samples from different African countries, indicating a potential public health risk for consumers.

Food safety management: The study revealed that L. monocytogenes contamination was influenced by various factors along the food chain, such as raw materials, processing environments, hygiene practices, storage conditions, and distribution channels. The study suggested that continuous monitoring, stringent surveillance, and source tracking are crucial to ensure food safety and prevent outbreaks of listeriosis.

Climate change adaptation: The study also discussed how climate change could affect the occurrence and persistence of L. monocytogenes in food products and environments. The study highlighted the need for adaptation strategies to cope with the challenges posed by climate change, such as improving infrastructure, enhancing cold chain, implementing hazard analysis and critical control points, and raising awareness among stakeholders.

What the Authors Recommend

• The authors suggest that African countries should implement systems for the detection and reporting of listeriosis cases: This could be done through laboratory diagnosis of meningitis and maternal infections, and enhanced by genomic surveillance techniques like whole-genome sequencing.
• The study recommends that African countries should develop domestic standards and regulations for L. monocytogenes in high-risk RTE foods: This would provide a layer of consumer protection and reflect the risk profiles of African RTE products and populations.
• In addition, the authors argue that African countries should conduct risk profiling of African RTE foods: This would help to understand the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in the commonly used temperature-time conditions of storage and consumption.
• Furthermore, the study posits that African countries should provide consumer risk education and dietary guidelines for listeriosis-susceptible subpopulations: This would help to raise awareness and prevent exposure to the pathogen.

In conclusion, this comprehensive review sheds light on the critical challenges posed by Listeriosis in the African context. Despite being a significant public health risk, the disease remains poorly understood and underprioritized in the region. The study emphasizes the intricate dynamics within African food value chains, revealing increased vulnerability due to longer and more informal chains, coupled with the rising consumption of ready-to-eat foods. The authors advocate for urgent actions, proposing the implementation of robust detection and reporting systems, the development of domestic standards, risk profiling of foods, and the importance of consumer education. Addressing these recommendations is crucial not only for safeguarding public health but also for building resilient food systems in the face of emerging threats like Listeria monocytogenes.