Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition

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Tortora 14th Edition

Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System

Problem 10

Chapter 25, Problem 10

Use the following choices to answer the following question:
a. Campylobacter
b. Cryptosporidium
c. Escherichia
d. Salmonella
e. Trichinella

This microbe is frequently transmitted to humans via raw eggs.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Identify the microbes listed and their common transmission routes. The options are Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia, Salmonella, and Trichinella.

Step 2: Recall that Salmonella is a genus of bacteria often associated with foodborne illness and is commonly transmitted through contaminated raw or undercooked eggs and poultry products.

Step 3: Consider the other microbes: Campylobacter is usually linked to raw or undercooked poultry, Cryptosporidium is a protozoan transmitted via contaminated water, Escherichia (such as E. coli) is often linked to contaminated food or water but not specifically raw eggs, and Trichinella is a parasitic worm transmitted through undercooked meat, especially pork.

Step 4: Based on the transmission routes, match the microbe that is frequently transmitted via raw eggs, which is Salmonella.

Step 5: Conclude that the correct choice for the microbe frequently transmitted to humans via raw eggs is Salmonella.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Microbial Transmission Routes

Understanding how microbes are transmitted to humans is essential for identifying infection sources. Transmission can occur via food, water, direct contact, or vectors. In this question, recognizing that raw eggs can harbor certain pathogens helps narrow down the possible microbes involved.

Foodborne Pathogens Associated with Eggs

Certain bacteria, like Salmonella, are commonly linked to raw or undercooked eggs. These pathogens can contaminate the egg surface or interior, leading to human infection when eggs are consumed without proper cooking. Knowing which microbes are associated with eggs is key to answering the question.

Characteristics of Listed Microbes

Familiarity with the microbes listed (Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia, Salmonella, Trichinella) and their typical transmission routes or reservoirs is crucial. For example, Salmonella is well-known for egg-related outbreaks, while others like Trichinella are linked to undercooked meat, aiding in eliminating incorrect options.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Use the following choices to answer the following question:

a. Campylobacter

b. Cryptosporidium

c. Escherichia

d. Salmonella

e. Trichinella

A characteristic disease symptom caused by this microorganism is swelling around the eyes.

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Textbook Question

Look at life cycle diagrams for human tapeworm and trichinellosis. Indicate stages in the life cycles that could be easily broken to prevent these diseases.

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Textbook Question

Use the following choices to answer the following question:

a. Campylobacter

b. Cryptosporidium

c. Escherichia

d. Salmonella

e. Trichinella

Microscopic observation of a stool sample reveals gram-negative helical cells.

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Textbook Question

Cysts of this flagellated organism survive in water; when ingested, the trophozoite grows in the intestine, causing diarrhea.