Wastewater Flashcards
What is the specific agent responsible for botulism food poisoning?
Clostridium botulinum
Clostridium botulinum produces a potent toxin that can cause severe illness.
What are the common vehicles for botulism food poisoning?
Improperly processed canned and bottled foods, other foods
Foods that are not properly preserved can harbor the botulinum toxin.
What are the symptoms of botulism food poisoning?
Gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea or constipation, prostration, difficulty in swallowing, double vision, difficulty in respiration
Symptoms can vary in severity and presentation.
What is the incubation period for botulism food poisoning?
2 hr-8 days, usually 12-36 hr
The onset of symptoms can be quite variable.
What preventive measure can be taken against botulism food poisoning?
Boil home canned nonacid food for 5 min; thoroughly cook meats, fish
Proper cooking and food preservation techniques are crucial.
What bacteria is responsible for Staphylococcus food poisoning?
Staphylococcus aureus
This bacterium produces an enterotoxin that causes food poisoning.
What are the common vehicles for Staphylococcus food poisoning?
Contaminated custard pastries, cooked or processed meats, poultry, dairy products
Foods that are improperly handled or stored can become contaminated.
What are the symptoms of Staphylococcus food poisoning?
Acute nausea, vomiting, prostration; diarrhea, abdominal cramps
Symptoms are often sudden and can lead to quick recovery.
What is the incubation period for Staphylococcus food poisoning?
1-6 hr or longer, average 2-4 hr
Symptoms can appear rapidly after consumption of contaminated food.
What preventive measures can be taken to avoid Staphylococcus food poisoning?
Refrigerate promptly prepared food below 45°F; discard leftover food; educate food handlers
Proper food storage and hygiene are key to prevention.
What is the specific agent for Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?
Clostridium perfringens
This bacterium is a spore former that can survive cooking.
What are the common vehicles for Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?
Contaminated food, inadequately heated meats, improperly held or cooled food
Foods that are not properly cooked or stored can lead to infection.
What are the symptoms of Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?
Sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea
Symptoms are caused by the toxin released in the intestine.
What is the incubation period for Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?
8-22 hr, usually 10-12 hr
Symptoms typically develop after a short period following ingestion.
What preventive measures can be taken against Clostridium perfringens food poisoning?
Cook foods thoroughly, cool rapidly, refrigerate promptly; reheat to 165°F before serving
Proper cooking and cooling techniques are crucial for safety.
What is the specific agent for Bacillus cereus food poisoning (diarrheal type)?
Bacillus cereus
This bacterium produces heat-labile toxins that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
What are the common vehicles for Bacillus cereus food poisoning (diarrheal type)?
Inadequately refrigerated cooked foods
Foods that are not stored properly can become contaminated with spores.
What are the symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning (diarrheal type)?
Diarrhea, cramps; vomiting sometimes
Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration.
What is the incubation period for Bacillus cereus food poisoning (diarrheal type)?
6-16 hr
Symptoms can appear within hours after consuming contaminated food.
What preventive measures can be taken against Bacillus cereus food poisoning (diarrheal type)?
Prevent food contamination; cool food rapidly in shallow containers
Proper food handling is essential to avoid illness.
What is the specific agent for Bacillus cereus food poisoning (vomiting type)?
Bacillus cereus
This type produces heat-stable toxins.
What are the common vehicles for Bacillus cereus food poisoning (vomiting type)?
Boiled and fried rice
Improperly stored rice dishes can lead to this type of food poisoning.
What are the symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning (vomiting type)?
Diarrhea, cramps; vomiting sometimes
Symptoms can vary, but vomiting is a common feature.
What is the incubation period for Bacillus cereus food poisoning (vomiting type)?
1-6 hr
Symptoms can appear rapidly after consuming contaminated food.