A fly that walks on feces and picks up E. coli O157:H7 then lands on food and transfers the microorganisms, is considered a
A) mechanical vector.
B) biological vector.
C) mechanical OR biological vector.
D) fomite.
E) cross-contaminator.

Question

A fly that walks on feces and picks up E. coli O157:H7 then lands on food and transfers the microorganisms, is considered a
A) mechanical vector.
B) biological vector.
C) mechanical OR biological vector.
D) fomite.
E) cross-contaminator.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A mechanical vector is an organism, such as a fly or cockroach, that can physically transfer microorganisms from one location to another, such as from feces to food. Biological vectors, on the other hand, are insects or other organisms that themselves transmit a pathogen, such as a mosquito transmitting malaria. Fomites are objects that can transfer pathogens, such as a doorknob. Cross-contamination refers to the transfer of pathogens from one food to another, or from one surface to another. A fly transferring E. coli O157:H7 fits the definition of a mechanical vector, as it is transferring the microorganisms without being infected with them itself. Therefore, the best choice is A) mechanical vector.

A Fly That Walks on Feces and Picks Up E