Bacterial Foodborne Diseases in Central America and the Caribbean: A Systematic Review

Foodborne diseases (FBD) represent a significant public health concern, particularly in regions like Central America and the Caribbean (CAC), where surveillance gaps due to lack of resources, knowledge and technical abilities, hinder control over outbreaks. This review investigates the bacterial pathogens responsible for FBD, their prevalence, challenges in management, and strategies for prevention. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, focusing on bacterial FBD in CAC from 2000 to 2024. PubMed and Google Scholar were used as primary databases, supported by other sources to identify relevant studies. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies focusing on bacterial pathogens, prevalence, risk factors, and surveillance practices. Out of 509 studies initially identified, 35 met the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent pathogens were Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and Aliarcobacter spp., with contamination often associated with poultry, eggs, and vegetables. Key challenges included inadequate surveillance systems, limited resources, and inconsistent reporting practices. Greater investment in pathogen monitoring, documentation, and education, along with the use of technologies like whole-genome sequencing (WGS), is crucial. Institutional and governmental funding is vital to improve surveillance and strengthen risk analysis across the region.