General Microbiology Lecture 11 - Food Microbiology Part 2B

Viruses are able to replicate in food. true or false

false, viruses cannot replicate in food

How are viruses that cause foodborne illnesses usually transmitted?

• cross contamination of foods from food handlers to food

• irrigation water

• shellfish harvested from polluted water

In the US, most foodborne viral illnesses are caused by

norovirus, hepatitis A, rotavirus

What are the characteristics of norovirus?

non-enveloped RNA(+) virus

Is the receptor norovirus binds to in humans known?

no, it is unknown

Even though norovirus is non-enveloped, virions are released in a non-lytic manner. true or false

true, norovirus virions are released by endosomes

What does norovirus infect?

epithelial cells

What does norovirus cause?

• nausea

• vomiting

• diarrhea

• abdominal pain

• headache

• low-grade fever

When does norovirus illness begin after exposure?

12-24 hours after exposure

How many days do people infected by norovirus improve?

within 1-3 days

How does norovirus spread?

• spread through contaminated water (leafy greens, fresh fruits and veggies)

• shellfish from water contaminated with wastewater

What are the characteristics of Hepatitis A?

• small, single stranded RNA (+) virus

• non-enveloped

Where does Hepatitis A replicate?

intestinal epithelial cells and liver cells

How does Hepatitis A spread?

spread through ingesting food contaminated with virions from someone infected by fecal-oral route

When does symptoms for Hepatitis A occur?

2-7 weeks after infection

What are some symptoms of Hepatitis A?

• yellowing of skin and eyes (jaundice)

• fatigue

• dark urine or stools

• diarrhea

• joint pain

• nausea

How many weeks does it take to recover from Hepatitis A?

several weeks

Who is more likely to have Hepatitis A?

adults more likely than children, people with chronic liver illness, immunocompromised and eldery

Hepatitis A may rarely lead to

liver failure

Outbreaks of Hepatitis A across the US can be traced to

improper handling of food (food handlers not washing hands properly)

Why does jaundice occur when someone has Hepatitis A?

causes jaundice because it prevents the liver from breaking down RBCs to produce bilirubin

Foodborne illnesses cause $15.6 billion in costs to economy, associated with healthcare and lost productivity. true or false

true

How can you prevent food borne illnesses at home

• wash hands when handling foods

• cook meats to proper internal temperature

• do not cross contaminated food

• chill remaining cooked food to 4C

• consume meat within 3 days of purchase

• consume poultry within 1-2 days of purchase