Microbial foodborne infections

Question 1

What is gastro-enteritis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the digestive tract, causing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and eventually fever.

Question 2

Which viruses are common causes of viral gastro-enteritis?

Answer 2

• Norovirus
• Rotavirus
• Adenovirus

Question 3

What is the difference between infection and intoxication?

Answer 3

Infection involves viable microorganisms, while intoxication involves only toxins.

Question 4

Name two bacterial causes of foodborne infections.

Answer 4

• E. Coli
• Salmonella spp.

Question 5

Which parasite is known to cause foodborne illness?

Answer 5

• Giardia
• Cryptosporidium
• Entamoeba histolytica

Question 6

What is the infective dose?

Answer 6

The number of pathogens needed to cause disease in a new host.

Question 7

What is the incubation period for Campylobacter species?

Answer 7

24-72 hours.

Question 8

What clinical manifestation is associated with Clostridium botulinum?

Answer 8

Botulism, a toxin-mediated paralytic illness.

Question 9

True or False: Staphylococcus aureus produces heat-stable toxins.

Answer 9

True.

Question 10

What is the main clinical manifestation of Norovirus infection?

Answer 10

Vomiting and diarrhea.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The most common viral cause of epidemic gastroenteritis worldwide is _______.

Answer 11

Norovirus

Question 12

What is the typical duration of symptoms for Bacillus cereus infection?

Answer 12

12-24 hours.

Question 13

What are the three major clinical manifestations of Clostridium botulinum?

Answer 13

• Foodborne botulism
• Wound botulism
• Neuro-botulism

Question 14

What is the key characteristic of EHEC?

Answer 14

High infectious dose, approximately 10 bacteria.

Question 15

What is the treatment for Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning?

Answer 15

Supportive treatment.

Question 16

What is the incubation period for Clostridium perfringens?

Answer 16

8-22 hours.

Question 17

How does Escherichia coli O157 contribute to outbreaks?

Answer 17

Causes severe foodborne illness through fecal contamination.

Question 18

What are the symptoms associated with non-typhi Salmonella infection?

Answer 18

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Question 19

What is the transmission method of Norovirus?

Answer 19

Feco-oral or droplets of vomit.

Question 20

What are the clinical manifestations of Giardia infection?

Answer 20

Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Question 21

What is the typical duration of symptoms for Norovirus infection?

Answer 21

1-2 days.

Question 22

What is the main reservoir for Typhi Salmonella?

Answer 22

Only human reservoir.

Question 23

What is the treatment for EHEC infection?

Answer 23

Supportive treatment; antibiotics are usually not recommended.

Question 24

Which bacteria is known for causing large outbreaks associated with poultry?

Answer 24

Campylobacter spp.

Question 25

What is the significance of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in relation to Campylobacter?

Answer 25

It can occur after Campylobacter infections.

Question 26

What types of foods are commonly associated with Clostridium perfringens?

Answer 26

Bulk cooking of meat.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: Bacillus cereus is commonly associated with _______.

Answer 27

Warm cooked rice.

Question 28

What is the incubation period for E. coli O157?

Answer 28

Typically 3-8 days.

Question 29

What is a common source of contamination for Norovirus outbreaks?

Answer 29

Shellfish and contaminated water.

Question 30

True or False: The symptoms of foodborne illness can vary widely.

Answer 30

True.

Question 31

Which bacteria is a common skin organism that contaminates salted foods?

Answer 31

Staphylococcus aureus.