Which pathogen is frequently associated with undercooked poultry or contaminated natural water sources?

Which pathogen is frequently associated with undercooked poultry or contaminated natural water sources?

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

Answer: (D)

Campylobacter jejuni is the classic bug associated with food- and waterborne gastroenteritis from poultry and contaminated natural water. Poultry is a major reservoir, and Campylobacter can spread to food and water sources used by humans, especially if poultry is undercooked or water is not treated properly. Clinically, it often presents with abrupt abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may be bloody, sometimes with fever. In the lab, it’s a curved Gram-negative rod that prefers microaerophilic conditions, which helps explain why it’s a frequent culprit in these exposure settings. While other pathogens can be linked to poultry or water, Campylobacter jejuni is most famously tied to these sources, making it the best fit for this scenario.

Campylobacter jejuni is the classic bug associated with food- and waterborne gastroenteritis from poultry and contaminated natural water. Poultry is a major reservoir, and Campylobacter can spread to food and water sources used by humans, especially if poultry is undercooked or water is not treated properly. Clinically, it often presents with abrupt abdominal cramps and diarrhea that may be bloody, sometimes with fever. In the lab, it’s a curved Gram-negative rod that prefers microaerophilic conditions, which helps explain why it’s a frequent culprit in these exposure settings. While other pathogens can be linked to poultry or water, Campylobacter jejuni is most famously tied to these sources, making it the best fit for this scenario.