PLoS ONE (Jan 2023)

Prevalence of staphylococcal toxin in food contaminated by Staphylococcus spp.: Protocol for a systematic review with meta-analysis.

  • Juliana Karla Garcia Ribeiro Freitas,
  • Cristiane Fernandes de Assis,
  • Thailla Raquel Moura de Oliveira,
  • Cláudio Márcio de Medeiros Maia,
  • Bruno Jonatan de Sousa,
  • Gidyenne Christiane Bandeira Silva de Medeiros,
  • Larissa Mont'Alverne Jucá Seabra,
  • Karla Suzanne Florentino da Silva Chaves Damasceno

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282111
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 2
p. e0282111

Abstract

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BackgroundFood contamination by Staphylococcus spp. enterotoxigenic strains is quite common and despite underreporting caused by the short duration of clinical symptoms and lack of medical care, staphylococcal food poisoning is one of the most common Foodborne Diseases (FBD) in the world. This study describes a systematic review protocol with meta-analysis on the prevalence and types of staphylococcal enterotoxins in food, and the profile of contaminated foods.MethodsThe research will be conducted through the selection of studies reporting the analysis of staphylococcal enterotoxins in food contaminated by Staphylococcus spp. Searches will happen on the following databases: Medline (OVID), GALE, Science Direct, CAB Direct (CABI), Google Scholar, in addition to manual search in the list of references of articles, directory of theses and dissertations, and countries' health agencies. Reports will be imported into the application Rayyan. Two researchers will independently select studies and extract data, and a third reviewer will solve conflicting decisions. The primary outcome will be the identification of staphylococcal enterotoxins in food, and the secondary outcomes will include staphylococcal enterotoxin types and foods involved. To assess the risk of bias in the studies, the tool developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) will be used. For data synthesis, a meta-analysis will be performed. However, in case that is not possible, a narrative synthesis of the most relevant results will be carried out.DiscussionThis protocol will serve as the basis for a systematic review that aims to relate the results of existing studies on the staphylococcal enterotoxin prevalence and types in food, and the profile of the contaminated foods. The results will broaden the perception of food safety risks, highlight existing literature gaps, contribute to the study of the epidemiological profile and may guide the allocation of health resources for the development of preventive measures related.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42021258223.