Impact of climate change on foodborne infections and intoxications.

BACKGROUND

Temperature, precipitation, and humidity are important factors that can influence the spread, reproduction, and survival of pathogens. Climate change affects these factors, resulting in higher air and water temperatures, increased precipitation, or water scarcity. Climate change may thus have an increasing impact on many infectious diseases.

METHODS

The present review considers those foodborne pathogens and toxins in animal and plant foods that are most relevant in Germany, on the basis of a selective literature review: the bacterial pathogens of the genera Salmonella, Campylobacter and Vibrio, parasites of the genera Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and marine biotoxins.

RESULTS

As climate change continues to progress, all infections and intoxications discussed here can be expected to increase in Germany.

CONCLUSIONS

The expected increase in foodborne infections and intoxications presents a growing public health risk in Germany.