Meat consumption as a risk factor in enteritis necroticans

Abstract

The association between the consumption of animal protein and enteritis necroticans (EN) was investigated in a case-control study of 60 proven cases of acute surgical EN. A very high risk of EN was found in association with the recent ingestion of pork and other meats with the exception of tinned fish. The control group was characterized by the more frequent and regular ingestion of animal protein (predominantly in the form of tinned fish) suggesting a protective effect. No conclusions about the causality of the observed associations could be drawn but the implications for preventive intervention are discussed.