Classifying foodborne events: Which listed condition is a food infection (requiring ingestion of viable organisms that then multiply in the host)?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Salmonellosis

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Foodborne diseases are broadly divided into infections (organisms grow in the host) and intoxications (preformed toxins ingested). Distinguishing them guides outbreak investigation and prevention.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Botulism and staphylococcal events are known intoxications.
  • Salmonellosis typically involves invasion and inflammation.



Concept / Approach:
Food infection requires viable pathogens surviving gastric barriers, colonizing, and eliciting disease in the intestine or beyond. Salmonella meets these criteria in typical non-typhoidal salmonellosis.



Step-by-Step Solution:
List each condition by mechanism: Salmonella = infection; botulism/staph = intoxication.Select the infection: Salmonellosis.



Verification / Alternative check:
Incubation periods differ: infections often take longer than intoxications, supporting mechanistic classification.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Botulism: neurotoxin preformed in food.
  • Staphylococcal intoxication: preformed enterotoxin in food.
  • None: incorrect because one is clearly an infection.



Common Pitfalls:
Equating vomiting-dominant symptoms with intoxication in all cases; some infections also cause vomiting but mechanisms differ.



Final Answer:
Salmonellosis

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