Food Manager Practice Exam

Which one of the following bacterial infections is known for causing severe gastrointestinal illness?

1. Hepatitis A

2. Salmonella

3. Norwalk/Norovirus

4. Shigella

The correct answer is: Salmonella

Salmonella is known for causing severe gastrointestinal illness due to its ability to produce toxins and invade the intestinal lining. When someone consumes contaminated food or water, the Salmonella bacteria can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. These symptoms typically develop within 6 hours to 6 days after infection and can last anywhere from 4 to 7 days, potentially leading to dehydration, particularly in vulnerable populations. Hepatitis A, while it does affect the gastrointestinal system, primarily causes liver inflammation, which results in symptoms such as jaundice and fatigue rather than the severe diarrhea associated with Salmonella. Norwalk or Norovirus is also associated with gastrointestinal illness but is typically characterized by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that arise more acutely but may not be as severe in terms of cramps compared to Salmonella. Shigella causes dysentery, which includes severe diarrhea, but it is often characterized by blood and mucus in the stool, and its severity can vary widely. In the context of bacterial infections specifically linked to severe gastrointestinal illness, Salmonella stands out for its prevalence and the intensity of the symptoms it can produce in individuals who are infected.