The Most Common Cause of Food Poisoning

Written by docteam Thursday, 05 August 2010 20:18

The most common cause of food poisoning is the toxin produced by certain strains of the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. The usual events, which begin 2 to 4 hours after ingestion of food, include nausea, severe vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhe, and prostration. But despite the violence of the acute attack, the symptoms usually subside after about 6 hours. Symptomatic treatment with replacement of fluids is generally all that is required. Inasmuch as staphylococcal food poisoning is actually caused by a toxin, many authorities refer to it as type of food intoxication.

The most common type of food poisoning caused by the organism per se (so-called food infection) is salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal infection involving dozens of species of Salmonella, the same group to which belong the pathogens of typhoid and paratyphoid fever. Many of these species are natural pathogens of domestic animals, and thus meats, fish, milk, eggs and milk and egg products are the usual culprits. 

Also, foods may become contaminated during processing by human carriers and by infected rats and mice that inhabit food plants, warehouses, and kitchens. The treatment of salmonellosis centers on the replacement of water and electrolytes and the use of antibiotics.

The most deadly food poisoning, botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that produces one of the most potent biological poisons known. It has been estimated that as little as 60 micrograms of the poison may be lethal. Botulism is almost always contracted by eating contaminated food, especially uncooked or improperly processed sausage, ham, fish, and vegetables.

Many cases have been caused by canned food prepared in the home. Diagnosis is made by injection of the suspected food into mice or by isolation of the pathogen from the food, feces, or vomitus. Botulism antitoxin is of limited value once signs and symptoms develop, but it is generally regarde as highly effective if given before the onset of symptoms. All exposed persons should be given the antitoxin immediately.