Question

The major microorganism responsible for food infection transmitted through eggs is __________

• A. E. coli
• B. Salmonella
• C. Pseudomonas
• D. Clostridium botulinum

Hint:

In any food safety question involving eggs and bacterial infection, Salmonella is almost always the correct answer. Associate "raw eggs" with the risk of "Salmonella".

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A food infection is a type of foodborne illness caused by ingesting food contaminated with living pathogenic microorganisms, which then multiply in the human gastrointestinal tract and cause illness.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Salmonella, particularly the serotype Salmonella Enteritidis, is the bacterium most commonly associated with eggs and egg products.
Contamination can occur in two ways:
1. Vertical Transmission: An infected hen can pass the bacteria to the inside of the egg before the shell is formed.
2. Horizontal Transmission: The bacteria can penetrate the eggshell from contaminated feces or environment.
Consuming raw or undercooked eggs contaminated with Salmonella can lead to salmonellosis, an infection characterized by diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
The other microorganisms are less likely:
- E. coli is typically associated with undercooked ground beef, contaminated water, or produce.
- Pseudomonas is a common spoilage bacterium but not a primary cause of infection from eggs.
- Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic bacterium associated with improperly canned or preserved foods.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The major and most well-known microorganism causing food infection transmitted through eggs is Salmonella. Therefore, option (B) is correct.