Food Manager Practice Exam

Which disease is primarily transmitted due to poor hygiene after using the bathroom?

1. Norovirus

2. Shigella

3. Salmonella

4. Listeriosis

The correct answer is: Shigella

Shigella is a bacteria that is highly associated with poor hygiene practices, particularly in relation to handwashing after using the bathroom. This pathogen is commonly transmitted through the fecal-oral route, which means that if proper hygiene is not followed, such as not washing hands after using the restroom, it can easily spread to food, surfaces, or directly from person to person. This is particularly concerning in settings such as daycares and nursing homes, where close contact can lead to outbreaks. The disease caused by Shigella, known as shigellosis, can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach cramps. Effective handwashing is a crucial preventive measure against the spread of this illness, highlighting the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices in food preparation and handling environments to prevent contamination. Understanding the transmission route of Shigella emphasizes the significance of personal hygiene in preventing foodborne illnesses, especially in food service operations. Other pathogens listed, while they may also be related to foodborne transmission, do not specifically highlight poor hygiene after bathroom use to the same extent as Shigella.