Which pathogen is commonly acquired from eating undercooked poultry or contaminated natural water sources?

Which pathogen is commonly acquired from eating undercooked poultry or contaminated natural water sources?

• A. Salmonella
• B. Campylobacter jejuni
• C. Shigella
• D. Escherichia coli

Answer: (B)

Campylobacter jejuni is the pathogen most characteristically linked to infection from eating undercooked poultry and from contaminated natural water. Birds, especially poultry, harbor Campylobacter in their intestines, so inadequate cooking or cross-contamination during food prep readily transmits it to humans. Contaminated water, including natural surface sources, can also carry the organism and cause outbreaks. Clinically, it typically causes gastroenteritis with diarrhea that can be bloody, abdominal cramping, and fever, usually starting a few days after exposure. While other bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, or certain E. coli strains can cause similar illnesses, the combination of being strongly associated with poultry and environmental water makes Campylobacter jejuni the most fitting answer for these exposure sources.

Campylobacter jejuni is the pathogen most characteristically linked to infection from eating undercooked poultry and from contaminated natural water. Birds, especially poultry, harbor Campylobacter in their intestines, so inadequate cooking or cross-contamination during food prep readily transmits it to humans. Contaminated water, including natural surface sources, can also carry the organism and cause outbreaks. Clinically, it typically causes gastroenteritis with diarrhea that can be bloody, abdominal cramping, and fever, usually starting a few days after exposure. While other bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, or certain E. coli strains can cause similar illnesses, the combination of being strongly associated with poultry and environmental water makes Campylobacter jejuni the most fitting answer for these exposure sources.