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Pathogen
a bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Where are most pathogens in food found?
animal products
Food Poisoning
foodborne illness
Foodborne infections vs intoxication
When food poisoning develops as a result of a pathogen's infecting someone, it is a foodborne
infection. When it is caused by toxins produced by the pathogen, it is called food intoxication
Enterotoxins
affect mucous membrane cells lining the gastrointestinal tract
neurotoxins
Chemicals that affect the nervous system
How common is food poisoning?
It is thought that as many as one-third of the population of the United States may experience food poisoning each year.
Common symptoms of foodborne illness
vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and abdominal cramps.
Who does food borne illnesses affect more severely?
The young, elderly, and immunocompromised may become very ill and possibly die, while healthy people usually think they have the flu.
What is the most common cause of diarrhea?
Campylobacter jejuni
Where is campylobacter jejuni found?
intestinal tracts of many farm animals and meat contaminated during slaughter.
How does camp. Jejuni enter the body?
through ingestion of the live bacteria. It can be transmitted to humans via unpasteurized milk; contaminated water; and raw or undercooked
meats, poultry, and shellfish.
When does camp. Jejuni cause symptoms and how long do they last?
It can take from 2 to 5 (or more) days to develop after infection and may last up to 10 days.
Symptoms of an infection from Campylobacter Jejuni?
Symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, headache, muscle and abdominal pain, and nausea.
Where is Clostridium botulinum found?
in soil and water, on plants, and in the intestinal
tracts of animals and fish.
What is unique about clostridium botulinum?
The spores of these bacteria can divide and produce toxin in the absence of oxygen. (Spores are single cells that are produced
asexually, each of which is able to develop into a new organism. They have thick, protective walls that allow them to survive unfavorable conditions.)
How long does it take to kill Clostridium Botulinum's spores vs its toxin
The spores are extremely heat resistant and must be boiled for 6 hours before they will be destroyed. The toxin, however, can be destroyed by boiling form 20 minutes.
What food intoxication does Clostridium Botulinum[s toxin cause?
botulism
symptoms of Botulism
double vision, speech difficulties, inability to swallow, and respiratory paralysis.
How long does it take for botulism symptoms to appear after ingestion?
4- 36 hours
How long does it take for botulism to kill?
3 to 10 days
US fatality rate of botulism?
65%
Botulism outbreaks cause by home processed foods vs commercially processed foods.
289 botulism outbreaks have been traced to
home-processed foods and 31 to commercially processed foods.
Carriers for botulism
vegetables and honey
How to avoid getting botulism
If a can bulges, Clostridium botulinum may be
present and can be fatal.
What is a common name for Clostridium Perfringens and why?
The cafeteria or buffet germ. This is because it tends to infect those who eat food that has been standing on buffets or steam tables for long periods.
Where is Clostridium Perfringens found?
soil dust, sewage, and the intestinal tracts of animals.
What kind of pathogen is Clost. Per?
It is a spore-forming pathogen that needs little
oxygen.
How is Clostridium perfringens transmitted?
by eating heavily contaminated food.
Symptoms of an infection from Clostridium perfringens
nausea, diarrhea, and inflammation of the stomach
and intestine.
To Prevent Clostridium Perfringens, How high of a temperature should hot food be kept at?
140 degrees Fahrenheit or above
To Prevent Clostridium Perfringens, How cold of a temperature should cold food be kept at?
40 degrees Fahrenheit or below
To Prevent Clostridium Perfringens, What temperature should leftovers be kept at ?
40 degrees Fahrenheit or below
To Prevent Clostridium Perfringens, leftovers should be heated at what temperature?
165 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
Cyclospora cayetanensis
a parasite that causes gastroenteritis.
Where is Cyclospora cayetanensis found and how is it transmitted?
This bacteria is commonly found in
the feces of an infected person and can be transmitted by poor hygiene. It has been found in unclean water.
What are symptoms of a Cyclospora cayetanensis infection?
watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, decreased appetite, and a low-grade fever
Does cyclospora reproduce outside of the host?
It is known that Cyclospora does not multiply outside the host.
What is the incubation period for cyclospora?
1 week
How can one prevent contracting cyclospora?
It is strongly recommended that clean water be used for drinking and the irrigation of produce. Thorough washing of fruits and vegetables and the practice of good hygiene by food handlers help to prevent the spread of this bacteria.
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