Question

Food poisoning caused due to milk by causal organism present in milk is -

• A. Micrococcus pyrogenes
• B. Bacillus anthracis
• C. Borrehota varidae
• D. Brucella abortus

Hint:

Remember the key pathogens associated with raw milk: {Brucella abortus}, {Mycobacterium bovis} (Tuberculosis), {Listeria monocytogenes}, {Salmonella}, {Campylobacter jejuni}, and Toxin-producing {E. coli} and {Staphylococcus aureus}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify a recognized causal organism of foodborne illness (food poisoning in a broad sense) that is transmitted through milk.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the given organisms:
(A) Micrococcus pyrogenes: This is an outdated term, often used as a synonym for Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is a major cause of food poisoning (intoxication) via heat-stable toxins, and it can be transmitted through milk, especially from cows with mastitis. So this is a plausible answer.
(B) Bacillus anthracis: This organism causes anthrax, a serious zoonotic disease. While it can be transmitted from infected animals, it is not typically categorized as a common cause of "food poisoning".
(C) Borrehota varidae: This is not a recognized scientific name and appears to be a fabricated distractor.
(D) Brucella abortus: This bacterium is the classic cause of Brucellosis (Undulant Fever) in humans, a serious disease transmitted primarily through the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products from infected cattle. It is a well-established and significant milk-borne pathogen.
Both Staphylococcus aureus and Brucella abortus are significant milk-borne pathogens. However, Brucella abortus is specifically known for causing a widespread disease historically linked to raw milk consumption. In the context of specific pathogenic organisms, it is a very strong and unambiguous answer.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Brucella abortus is a well-known pathogenic organism that causes the foodborne disease Brucellosis through the consumption of contaminated milk.