Skip to main content
Ch. 25 - Microbial Diseases of the Digestive System
Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition
Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 25, Problem 10

Use the following choices to answer the following question:
a. Campylobacter
b. Cryptosporidium
c. Escherichia
d. Salmonella
e. Trichinella


This microbe is frequently transmitted to humans via raw eggs.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the microbes listed and their common transmission routes. The options are Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia, Salmonella, and Trichinella.
Step 2: Recall that Salmonella is a genus of bacteria often associated with foodborne illness and is commonly transmitted through contaminated raw or undercooked eggs and poultry products.
Step 3: Consider the other microbes: Campylobacter is usually linked to raw or undercooked poultry, Cryptosporidium is a protozoan transmitted via contaminated water, Escherichia (such as E. coli) is often linked to contaminated food or water but not specifically raw eggs, and Trichinella is a parasitic worm transmitted through undercooked meat, especially pork.
Step 4: Based on the transmission routes, match the microbe that is frequently transmitted via raw eggs, which is Salmonella.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct choice for the microbe frequently transmitted to humans via raw eggs is Salmonella.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Microbial Transmission Routes

Understanding how microbes are transmitted to humans is essential for identifying infection sources. Transmission can occur via food, water, direct contact, or vectors. In this question, recognizing that raw eggs can harbor certain pathogens helps narrow down the possible microbes involved.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:23
Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

Foodborne Pathogens Associated with Eggs

Certain bacteria, like Salmonella, are commonly linked to raw or undercooked eggs. These pathogens can contaminate the egg surface or interior, leading to human infection when eggs are consumed without proper cooking. Knowing which microbes are associated with eggs is key to answering the question.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:40
Introduction to Pathogenic Toxins

Characteristics of Listed Microbes

Familiarity with the microbes listed (Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Escherichia, Salmonella, Trichinella) and their typical transmission routes or reservoirs is crucial. For example, Salmonella is well-known for egg-related outbreaks, while others like Trichinella are linked to undercooked meat, aiding in eliminating incorrect options.
Recommended video:
Guided course
07:24
Types of Microbes (Microbial Characteristics)