The owner of a petting zoo contacts your microbiology laboratory for advice in preventing the transmission of a microbe that can cause hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome. You recall that this organism produces a verotoxin that causes severe abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. What control measure(s) would you recommend?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The microbe in question is likely a strain of E. coli that produces verotoxin, leading to severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Hand washing is a critical control measure to prevent the transmission of such pathogens from animals to humans in settings like petting zoos. Selling only unpasteurized apple juice, encouraging thumb sucking, and prohibiting all contact with animals are not practical or effective measures for preventing the transmission of this specific microorganism.

The Owner of a Petting Zoo Contacts Your Microbiology Laboratory