Salmonella gastroenteritis is commonly transmitted through which exposure?

• A. Raw fish
• B. Underprocessed chicken, eggs, and exposure to reptiles
• C. Unpasteurized juice
• D. Canned vegetables

Answer: (B)

Salmonella gastroenteritis is most often acquired by ingesting contaminated animal products, especially undercooked poultry and eggs, and by contact with reptiles. Poultry and eggs commonly harbor Salmonella, and failing to cook them thoroughly or cross-contaminate during preparation lets the bacteria reach the gut. Reptiles also carry Salmonella in their intestines, and handling them or their enclosures can transfer the organism to hands or food. Other exposures like raw fish, unpasteurized juice, or canned vegetables are less typical sources; raw fish can bring other pathogens, unpasteurized juice is less consistently contaminated, and canned vegetables are usually heat-killed during processing.