Objectives

Mass gathering events may facilitate transmission of foodborne diseases. We determined the presentations and causative organisms of gastrointestinal illness in the attendees of the Football World Cup 2022 (FIFA-2022).

Study Design

Retrospective analysis

Methods

The study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, which served as the national reference laboratory for all microbiology testing. We retrieved all stool testing data from attendees of FIFA-2022 from October 1 to December 31, 2022. Stool microscopy for ova and parasite and cultures were performed on all samples. PCR-testing was performed for cases of suspected foodborne outbreaks, or when a rapid result was required for public health response.

Results

Among 2,179 samples tested, ≥1 organism was identified in 424 cases. The most common reasons for testing were acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis (51.4%), abdominal pain (11.5%), screening/surveillance of contacts (10.6%), and fever (7.6%). Bacteria were identified in 92.5% (Salmonella spp. 40%, E. coli 25.7%, Shigella spp. 8.8%), viruses in 7.8%, and parasites in 2.8% of the samples.

Conclusions

The number of individuals who underwent stool testing during the FIFA-2022 was low. The yield of stool testing was higher for those with acute diarrhea/gastroenteritis and fever, but not for those with abdominal pain or for surveillance/screening.