It is now past the normal dinner time, but you do not even want to think about food. Only diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting are on your mind. This all started a few hours ago after having a ham sandwich for lunch purchased from a street vendor. With your microbiology knowledge, you surmise that it is a Staphylococcus aureus-related disorder. Why do you think this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are indicative of food poisoning caused by the pre-formed toxin of Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to rapid onset of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. This is because the toxin can act quickly once ingested, without needing time for the bacteria to grow.

It Is Now Past the Normal Dinner Time, but You