A model of staphylococcal food poisoning scenario mediated by companion dogs colonized by enterotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

In Nigeria, the number of households with companion dogs is on the rise. Staphylococcal food poisoning remains a major public health issue, yet there is no documented evidence of this illness being linked to companion dogs in Nigeria. This study aims to estimate the risk of staphylococcal food poisoning stemming from companion dogs that are carriers of enterotoxin-producing Staphylococcus aureus. Both dry and rainy seasons were considered in this research, where standard phenotypic and molecular techniques were used to detect and measure enterotoxin-producing S. aureus on the fur of 70 healthy companion dogs. Besides, 140 pre-sterilized ready-to-eat (RTE) yams that were contaminated through contact with human hands previously exposed to the dogs'fur were tested. The results, simulated using the United States FDA-iRisk software and Monte Carlo simulations from data obtained from yam contamination surveillance and experts elicitations, indicated that the risk of staphylococcal food poisoning was notably higher during the rainy season (≥ 702 cases per 10,000 servings of RTE yams) compared to the dry season (about 1 case per 10,000 servings). In conclusion, there is a need for people, especially dog owners, to exercise greater caution regarding their interactions with companion dogs.