An Introduction to Current Trends in Foodborne Pathogens and Diseases

Purpose of Review: This editorial review aims to provide readers with an introduction to the Current Clinical Microbiology Report Special Issue “Foodborne Pathogens” and to point out overarching novel trends and developments in this field. Recent Findings: The first global burden of foodborne disease study by the WHO estimated that foodborne diseases annually cause illness in 1 in 10 people, resulting in 420,000 deaths per year. In recent years, the threat of foodborne antimicrobial-resistant pathogens has intensified, facing researchers and authorities with major challenges. Whole genome sequencing, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy enable improved detection and typing of foodborne pathogens. Summary: Foodborne diseases remain a major risk to global health. At the same time, crucial advances in the development of technological platforms have led to unprecedented opportunities in detection, typing, and source attribution of foodborne pathogens. © 2018, Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature.