Bacterial Foodborne Diseases Flashcards
What is characteristic of intoxication caused by bacteria?
doesn’t colonize the intestinal tract, bacteria replicates in the food, not GI (except C. perfringens) and bacteria produce toxins in the food.
Do bacterial infections of the GI colonize the GI tract?
Yes
What bacteria cause intoxications?
S. aureus, Bacillus cereus, C. botulinum, and C. perfringens
Which bacteria have exotoxins?
S. aureus, B. cereus, C. botulinum, and C. perfringens (these are gram +)
List the bacteria that have endotoxins
C. jejuni, Salmonella, E. coli, and Vibrio cholera (these are gram -)
How long does it take for the onset of an intoxication?
usually 30 min-6 hrs, but can go up to 12 hrs.
How long does it take for the onset of an infection?
several hours, to days.
S. aureus is commonly seen in what foods?
Foods that are touched a lot.
What is the reservoir for S. aureus?
skin and nose of many healthy people
How is S. aureus transmitted?
contaminated food that isn’t stored properly, allowing for toxin production.
Which bacteria is responsible for the most common foodborne intoxication?
S. aureus
What is usually seen with S. aureus intoxication?
vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, lasts about 24hrs.
This bacteria is found in the soil and can’t necessarily be treated by cooking the food.
Bacillus cereus.
What two forms are commonly seen with B. cereus intoxication?
enteric form which causes nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea form, which causes diarrhea and cramping.
This bacteria is found in the soil, in honey, in the GI of fish and mammals
C. botulinum.
How is c. botulinum transmitted?
food contaminated with spores at production, that was then improperly processed.
This bacteria is found in the soil, sediments, intestinal tracts of people and animals, and the spores survive cooking.
C. perfringens.
How long is the incubation period for C. perfringens?
8-22 hours
What is the proper temp to store food at?
less than 40 F and greater than 140 F
This bacteria is gram negative, and is more common in the summer. Its reservoir are many bird species.
C. jejuni
what is important about the transmission of C. jejuni?
it has a very low infectious dose.
How long do people remain sick with C. jejuni?
7 days
How do you prevent C. jejuni?
target the vehicle by properly handling/processing/cooking milk or meat. DO NOT WASH POULTRY.
Where is salmonella found?
In many species GI, and on the skin flora of reptiles.
T/F: Salmonella is the biggest cause for hospitalization
True
How long do salmonella infections usually last?
4-7 days
When is Salmonella most common?
in the summer
Who is E. coli found in?
many mammalian species, including cattle and other hoof stock
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is often caused by what type of E. coli?
STEC (shiga toxin)
Who does STEC often affect? Where is is commonly seen?
Often affect children, seen in water parks and petting zoos
Is there a vaccine for E. coli?
YES. can vaccinate cattle in efforts to prevent
This bacteria is found in people, brackish rivers, coastal waters, and is salt tolerant.
Vibrio cholerae.
How is V. cholerae transmitted?
Through water (most important) and foods contaminated by this water.
Can be fatal
What are clinical signs for V. cholerae?
very watery diarrhea.
This bacteria is found in the soil, water, and animals. It likes colder temps, and the vehicle is infected food (“ready to eat” foods are a concern)
Listeria monocytogenes
Can L. monocytogenes cause abortion?
yes.
Does L. monocytogenes produce an endotoxin?
No
How is L monocytogenes prevented?
By cooking and pasteurization
