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.
What preventive measures can be taken against Bacillus cereus food poisoning (vomiting type)?
Same as diarrhea; some spores may survive pasteurization
Maintaining proper food storage and cooking practices is important.
What is the specific agent responsible for Salmonellosis?
Salmonella typhimurium, S. newport, S. enteritidis, S. montevideo, others
Various Salmonella strains can cause this infection.
What are the common vehicles for Salmonellosis?
Contaminated sliced cooked meat, salads, uncooked meats, eggs
Foods that are not cooked properly can harbor Salmonella.
What are the symptoms of Salmonellosis?
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, chills, fever, vomiting, nausea
Symptoms can persist for several days.
What is the incubation period for Salmonellosis?
6-48 hr, usually 12-24 hr
Symptoms can develop within a day after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Salmonellosis?
Protect food storage, thoroughly cook food, eliminate rodents
Proper food handling and sanitation are essential.
What is the specific agent responsible for Typhoid fever?
Salmonella typhi
This bacterium is responsible for a serious systemic infection.
What are the common vehicles for Typhoid fever?
Contaminated water, milk and milk products, shellfish, foods
Typhoid fever is often transmitted through contaminated food and water.
What are the symptoms of Typhoid fever?
General infection characterized by continued fever, rose spots, diarrheal disturbances
Symptoms can be severe and require medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Typhoid fever?
Average 14 days, usually 7-21 days
The onset of symptoms can take time following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Typhoid fever?
Protect and purify water supply, pasteurize milk, educate food-handlers
Sanitary practices are essential for prevention.
What is the specific agent responsible for Paratyphoid fever?
Salmonella paratyphi A, S. schottmulleri B, S. hirschfeldii C
Similar to Typhoid fever, but typically less severe.
What are the common vehicles for Paratyphoid fever?
Contaminated water, milk and milk products, shellfish, foods
Transmission is similar to that of Typhoid fever.
What are the symptoms of Paratyphoid fever?
General infection with continued fever, diarrheal disturbances, sometimes rose spots
Symptoms can mimic those of Typhoid fever.
What is the incubation period for Paratyphoid fever?
1-10 days for gastroenteritis; 1-3 weeks for enteric fever
The onset can vary based on the type of infection.
What preventive measures can be taken against Paratyphoid fever?
Similar preventive measures as in Typhoid fever and Salmonellosis
Maintaining hygiene and sanitation is crucial.
What is the specific agent responsible for Shigellosis?
Genus Shigella, i.e., flexneri, sonnei, boydii, dysenteriae
Shigella bacteria are responsible for this gastrointestinal infection.
What are the common vehicles for Shigellosis?
Contaminated water or foods, milk and milk products, flies, person-to-person
Transmission can occur through direct contact or contaminated food.
What are the symptoms of Shigellosis?
Acute onset with diarrhea, fever, tenesmus, bloody stools
The infection can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms.
What is the incubation period for Shigellosis?
1-7 days, usually less than 4 days
Symptoms can develop relatively quickly after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Shigellosis?
Food, water, sewage sanitation, personal hygiene
Ensuring clean water and food handling can help prevent this infection.
What is the specific agent responsible for Cholera?
Vibrio cholerae
This bacterium causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.
What are the common vehicles for Cholera?
Contaminated water, raw foods, shellfish
Cholera is primarily transmitted through contaminated water sources.
What are the symptoms of Cholera?
Diarrhea, rice-water stools, vomiting, thirst, pain, coma
Cholera can lead to severe dehydration and is a medical emergency.
What is the incubation period for Cholera?
A few hours-5 days, usually 3 days
Symptoms can appear rapidly following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Cholera?
Similar to Typhoid; quarantine, isolate patients
Public health measures are essential to control outbreaks.
What is the specific agent responsible for Melioidosis?
Pseudomonas pseudomallei
This bacterium can cause serious infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
What are the common vehicles for Melioidosis?
Contact with or ingestion of contaminated excreta, soil, or water
The bacterium is often found in soil and water.
What are the symptoms of Melioidosis?
Acute diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, delirium, mania
Symptoms can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Melioidosis?
Less than 2 days or longer
The onset of symptoms can vary significantly.
What preventive measures can be taken against Melioidosis?
Destroy rats; protect food; thoroughly cook food
Maintaining hygiene and sanitation can help prevent infection.
What is the specific agent responsible for Brucellosis (Undulant fever)?
Brucella melitensis (goat), Br. abortus (cow), Br. suis (pig)
Brucellosis is caused by various species of Brucella bacteria.
What are the common vehicles for Brucellosis?
Raw milk from infected animals; contact with infected animals
Unpasteurized dairy products are a common source of infection.
What are the symptoms of Brucellosis?
Insidious onset, irregular fever, sweating, chills, joint and muscle pain
Symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed for some time.
What is the incubation period for Brucellosis?
5-21 days or longer
The onset of symptoms can take time following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Brucellosis?
Pasteurize all milk; eliminate infected animals; handle carcasses with care
Proper food handling and sanitation are essential.
What is the specific agent responsible for Streptococcal infections?
Streptococcus pyogenes
This bacterium is responsible for various infections, including strep throat.
What are the common vehicles for Streptococcal infections?
Contaminated salads or milk products
Foods that are improperly handled can harbor the bacteria.
What are the symptoms of Streptococcal infections?
Sore throat and fever, sudden in onset, vomiting
Symptoms can develop quickly and may require antibiotic treatment.
What is the incubation period for Streptococcal infections?
1-3 days
Symptoms typically develop within a few days after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Streptococcal infections?
Pasteurize all milk; inspect contacts
Ensuring proper food safety practices can help prevent infection.
What is the specific agent responsible for Diphtheria?
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
This bacterium causes a serious respiratory infection.
What are the common vehicles for Diphtheria?
Contact and milk or milk products
The infection can spread through contaminated food or direct contact.
What are the symptoms of Diphtheria?
Acute febrile infection of tonsils, throat, and nose
Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and swallowing.
What is the incubation period for Diphtheria?
2-5 days or longer
The onset of symptoms can vary following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Diphtheria?
Pasteurize all milk; disinfect utensils; immunize
Vaccination is a key preventive measure for diphtheria.
What is the specific agent responsible for Tuberculosis?
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (hominis and bovis)
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs.
What are the common vehicles for Tuberculosis?
Contact, eating and drinking utensils, food, and milk
The bacteria can be transmitted through respiratory droplets and contaminated food.
What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
Cough, fever, fatigue, pleurisy
Symptoms can develop gradually and may be severe.
What is the incubation period for Tuberculosis?
4-6 weeks
The onset of symptoms can take several weeks after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Tuberculosis?
Pasteurize all milk; eradicate TB from cattle; skin test
Monitoring and vaccination can help control the spread of tuberculosis.
What is the specific agent responsible for Tularemia (Rabbit Fever)?
Pasteurella tularensis
This bacterium can cause severe illness from contact with infected animals.
What are the common vehicles for Tularemia?
Meat of infected rabbit, contaminated water, handling wild animals
Proper cooking and hygiene can help prevent infection.
What are the symptoms of Tularemia?
Sudden onset with pains and fever, prostration
Symptoms can be severe and require medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Tularemia?
1-10 days, average of 3
The onset of symptoms can vary based on the mode of transmission.
What preventive measures can be taken against Tularemia?
Thoroughly cook meat of wild rabbits; purify drinking water
Ensuring proper food handling and cooking can help prevent infection.
What is the specific agent responsible for Campylobacter enteritis?
Campylobacter jejuni
This bacterium is a common cause of foodborne illness.
What are the common vehicles for Campylobacter enteritis?
Undercooked beef, chicken, raw milk, contaminated water
Proper cooking and handling of food are essential to prevent this infection.
What are the symptoms of Campylobacter enteritis?
Watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting
Symptoms can vary in severity and duration.
What is the incubation period for Campylobacter enteritis?
1-10 days, average 2-5 days
Symptoms can develop after a variable period following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Campylobacter enteritis?
Thoroughly cook chicken and pork; treat water; prevent cross-contamination
Proper cooking and food safety practices are critical.
What is the specific agent responsible for Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis?
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
This bacterium is often associated with seafood.
What are the common vehicles for Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis?
Raw seafoods or inadequately cooked seafoods
Contaminated seafood can lead to this type of gastroenteritis.
What are the symptoms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis?
Nausea, headache, chills, fever, vomiting, severe abdominal cramps, watery diarrhea
Symptoms can appear quickly after consuming contaminated seafood.
What is the incubation period for Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis?
2-48 hr, usually 12-24 hr
Symptoms can develop rapidly after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis?
Refrigerate prepared seafoods promptly if not immediately served
Proper storage of seafood is critical to prevent illness.
What is the specific agent responsible for Traveler’s diarrhea (Diarrhea enteropathogenic)?
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
This strain of E. coli is often associated with travel-related gastrointestinal illness.
What are the common vehicles for Traveler’s diarrhea?
Food, water, and fomites contaminated with feces
Contaminated food and water are primary sources of infection.
What are the symptoms of Traveler’s diarrhea?
Fever, mucoid, occasionally bloody diarrhea; or watery diarrhea, cramps, acidosis, dehydration
Symptoms can vary in severity and may require medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Traveler’s diarrhea?
12-72 hr
Symptoms can develop within a few days after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Traveler’s diarrhea?
See Typhoid; scrupulous hygiene and formula sanitation in hospital nursery
Maintaining cleanliness and proper food handling is crucial.
What is the specific agent responsible for Yersiniosis?
Yersinia enterocolitica, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness, particularly in children.
What are the common vehicles for Yersiniosis?
Raw milk and milk products, seafoods, raw and rare meats, contaminated water
Proper cooking and pasteurization are essential for prevention.
What are the symptoms of Yersiniosis?
Diarrhea, cramps, fever, headache, vomiting, skin rash
Symptoms can mimic appendicitis in some cases.
What is the incubation period for Yersiniosis?
3-7 days, usually 2-3 days
Symptoms typically develop within a few days after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Yersiniosis?
Sanitary disposal of feces; safe water; pasteurize milk; food sanitation
Ensuring proper food handling and hygiene is critical.
What is the specific agent responsible for Listeriosis?
Listeria monocytogenes
This bacterium can cause serious illness, particularly in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
What are the common vehicles for Listeriosis?
Raw milk, contaminated pasteurized milk and milk products, contaminated vegetables
Listeria can survive in refrigerated foods.
What are the symptoms of Listeriosis?
Fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, meningeal symptoms
Symptoms can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Listeriosis?
Probably a few days-3 weeks
The onset of symptoms can vary significantly.
What preventive measures can be taken against Listeriosis?
Avoid contact with infected persons and raw milk and meats
Proper food handling and hygiene are crucial.
What is the specific agent responsible for Vibrio vulnificus gastroenteritis?
Vibrio vulnificus
This bacterium is associated with seafood and can cause serious illness.
What are the common vehicles for Vibrio vulnificus gastroenteritis?
Raw or lightly cooked seafood, i.e., oysters
Contaminated seafood can lead to severe gastrointestinal illness.
What are the symptoms of Vibrio vulnificus gastroenteritis?
Fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea
Symptoms can develop quickly after consuming contaminated seafood.
What is the incubation period for Vibrio vulnificus gastroenteritis?
16 hr
Symptoms can appear rapidly following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Vibrio vulnificus gastroenteritis?
Same as Vibrio parahaemolyticus gastroenteritis
Proper seafood handling and cooking practices are essential.
What is the specific agent responsible for Q Fever?
Coxiella burneti
This bacterium is often associated with livestock and can cause severe illness.
What are the common vehicles for Q Fever?
Raw cow and goat milk; dust and aerosols from infected animals
Transmission can occur through inhalation or ingestion.
What are the symptoms of Q Fever?
Heavy perspiration and chills, headache, malaise
Symptoms can resemble those of the flu.
What is the incubation period for Q Fever?
2-3 weeks, average 20 days
The onset of symptoms can take several weeks after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Q Fever?
Pasteurize milk and dairy products; eliminate infected animal reservoir
Ensuring proper handling of livestock and dairy products is essential.
What is the specific agent responsible for Choriomeningitis?
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
This virus is transmitted primarily by house mice.
What are the common vehicles for Choriomeningitis?
Contaminated food
Food contaminated with mouse droppings can lead to infection.
What are the symptoms of Choriomeningitis?
Fever, severe headache, stiff neck, vomiting
Symptoms can be severe and may require medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Choriomeningitis?
8-13 days
Symptoms can develop within a couple of weeks after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Choriomeningitis?
Eliminate or reduce mice; general cleanliness
Maintaining proper hygiene can help prevent this infection.
What is the specific agent responsible for Infectious hepatitis?
Hepatitis A virus
This virus can cause liver inflammation and is transmitted through fecal-oral routes.
What are the common vehicles for Infectious hepatitis?
Water, food, milk, shellfish, contacts
Contaminated food and water are primary sources of transmission.
What are the symptoms of Infectious hepatitis?
Fever, nausea, loss of appetite; possibly vomiting, jaundice
Symptoms can vary in severity and may require medical attention.
What is the incubation period for Infectious hepatitis?
10-50 days, average 30-35 days
The onset of symptoms can take time following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Infectious hepatitis?
Sanitary sewage disposal, food sanitation, personal hygiene
Ensuring proper sanitation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus.
What is the specific agent responsible for viral gastroenteritis?
Rotaviruses, Norwalk agent, echo and coxsackie-viruses, and others
Various viruses can cause gastroenteritis with similar symptoms.
What are the common vehicles for viral gastroenteritis?
Water, food including milk, possibly fecal-oral route
Contaminated food and water are primary sources of infection.
What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low fever
Symptoms can vary in severity and duration.
What is the incubation period for viral gastroenteritis?
24-72 hr
Symptoms can develop within a few days after exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against viral gastroenteritis?
Same as Hepatitis A
Proper sanitation and hygiene are essential for prevention.
What is the specific agent responsible for Amebiasis?
Entamoeba histolytica
This protozoan parasite can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
What are the common vehicles for Amebiasis?
Cysts, contaminated water, foods, raw vegetables
Contaminated food and water are primary sources of transmission.
What are the symptoms of Amebiasis?
Diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort
Symptoms can vary in severity and may include bloody stools.
What is the incubation period for Amebiasis?
5 days or longer, average 2-4 weeks
Symptoms can take time to develop following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Amebiasis?
Same as Shigellosis; boil water or coagulate, filter
Ensuring proper sanitation and water treatment is crucial.
What is the specific agent responsible for Giardiasis?
Giardia lamblia
This protozoan parasite is a common cause of gastrointestinal illness.
What are the common vehicles for Giardiasis?
Cysts, contaminated water, food, raw fruits
Contaminated food and water are primary sources of transmission.
What are the symptoms of Giardiasis?
Prolonged diarrhea, abdominal cramps, severe weight loss, fatigue
Symptoms can persist for weeks if untreated.
What is the incubation period for Giardiasis?
6-22 days, average 9 days
Symptoms can take time to develop following exposure.
What preventive measures can be taken against Giardiasis?
Same as Amebiasis
Proper sanitation and hygiene are essential for prevention.
What is the specific agent responsible for Cryptosporidiosis?
Cryptosporidium spp
This protozoan parasite can cause gastrointestinal illness.
What are the common vehicles for Cryptosporidiosis?
Contaminated water, food, fecal-oral route
Contaminated food and water are primary sources of transmission.
What are the symptoms of Cryptosporidiosis?
Mild flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea
Symptoms can vary in severity and may resolve without treatment.