Foodborne IllnessQuestion 22 of 240
Understanding onset time helps identify a pathogen. A toxin-mediated illness with very rapid onset (30 minutes to 6 hours) after eating is most consistent with:
a.Listeriosis (days to weeks)
b.Staphylococcal or Bacillus cereus intoxication (toxin already in the food)
c.Hepatitis A (15 to 50 days)
d.Salmonellosis (6 to 72 hours)
Explanation
Very rapid onset, often under 6 hours, points to a preformed toxin, as with Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillus cereus emetic toxin, because the toxin is already present and does not need to multiply in the body. Infections like Salmonella take longer, and Hepatitis A and Listeria have onset measured in weeks. Knowing onset helps trace the offending food.
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