Even though acidification is usually effective in controlling bacterial growth, organisms

have evolved several mechanisms directed toward survival in conditions of low pH.12 In this project, the acidified conditions caused by lime juice were insufficient to kill the pathogenic bacteria tested and should not be relied upon to adequately sterilize potentially contaminated fish. Maintenance of seafood quality is central to ensuring the safety of seafood. There is presently no way to ensure that all food is kept free from potential sources of contamination. Good manufacturing practices, involving the harvest of fish from approved areas (sewage-free harvest beds), type and size of fish caught, methods of capture and processing immediately after capture, can all decrease the rate of contamination of fishery products.9,21 Good handling practices selleck screening library guidelines are available for seafood restaurants, and they recommend the use of several refrigerating, freezing, defrosting, and storage measures to reduce the microbial spoilage of products and to improve food safety. This experiment has limitations that may restrict its applicability to travelers who consume find more cebiche. We tested only a focused number of enteric pathogens and did not evaluate other common causes of infectious

diarrhea, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella species. Additionally, we used high inocula in our testing that were in excess of the described infectious doses of the bacteria tested. We cannot state what the effect of cebiche preparation would be on lower bacterial doses. In summary,

conventional methods of cebiche preparation are not adequate to inactivate common pathogenic bacteria. International travelers should exercise caution when consuming uncooked seafood. Persons at particular risk (including young children, the elderly, immunocompromised persons, and pregnant women) should be encouraged to eat fully cooked seafood and to avoid buying fish or shellfish from street vendors.20,21 This work was supported by work unit number 847705 82000 25GB B0016. IRB statement: The study protocol was approved by the Naval Medical Research Center Institutional Review Board (PJT.NMRCD.2007.006) in compliance with all applicable Federal regulations governing the protection of human subjects. The views expressed in this article are those of the all authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, nor the US Government. Dr Martin, Dr Espinosa, and Dr Maves are US military service members. This work was prepared as part of their official duties. Title 17 United States Code (USC)/Section 105 provides that “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.” Title 17 USC Section 101 defines a US Government work as a work prepared by a military service member or employee of the US Government as part of that person’s official duties.