Extraction of the epidemiological and microbiological data from a set of Bacillus cereus literature

Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a significant cause of foodborne illness worldwide. However, discrepancies between reporting systems and underreporting complicate accurate estimates of infection incidence. This diploma thesis presents a systematic evaluation of foodborne outbreaks caused by B. cereus with a focus on sources, food matrices, pathogenicity, toxicity, and diagnostic approaches. Epidemiological and microbiological data were extracted and analyzed from 39 reviews and 40 surveillance reports to identify patterns in outbreak occurrence, detection methods, and gaps or inconsistencies in the existing literature. Analysis of the reviews revealed that temperature misuse and hygiene measures were frequently emphasized in most studies. Conventional identification methods include culture-based techniques, biochemical assays, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Most reviews concentrated on epidemiological aspects, while fewer addressed food safety or microbiological characterization. Rice-based products were the most frequently implicated food vehicle, with proteinaceous foods linked to diarrheal illness, and farinaceous foods to emetic syndrome. Vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals, showed higher mortality. Comparisons with AI-assisted data extraction highlighted limitations in automated analysis and underscored the need for further development in this area, particularly in terms of outbreak details and microbiological characterization. Analysis of surveillance reports confirmed fried rice as the primary outbreak vehicle. Additionally, meat products, dairy products, and certain "Chinese foods" were frequently cited as significant vehicles of transmission. Food service establishments, particularly restaurants, were the most common settings, and contributing factors included improper holding temperatures and inadequate cooking. Geographic coverage was uneven, with Europe and North America most represented, while Africa, Antarctica, and much of Asia and Oceania were largely unreported. Overall, the study highlights the underreporting of B. cereus outbreaks and identifies existing gaps in epidemiological and microbiological data. To enhance outbreak surveillance and public health strategies, it is essential to address these data gaps. The following measures would be of utmost importance to close the existing gaps: standardizing reporting practices, strengthening laboratory capacity in low-income regions, and introducing innovative detection methods.