Bacteria

Bacteria Bacteria are microscopic organisms found everywhere- in soil, air, water, the body etc. You can’t see, taste or smell most bacteria Most bacteria are harmless- some are helpful- like those that change milk into cheese Some bacteria known as pathogens are harmful and can cause illness and sometimes death

Salmonella Source: Waste of man and animals (esp. poultry) Salmonella is infectious and can be spread to other people Foods found in: Contaminated meat and meat products- especially poultry Custard, cream, milk and egg products Salads

Salmonella Symptoms: Fever, headache, aching limbs, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, sometimes vomiting Onset time: 6-72 hours (usually 12-36 hours)

Listeria Source: Soil, water, vegetation, domestic animals, man Foods found in: Raw milk, seafood, vegetables, pate, soft cheeses, meat products

Listeria Symptoms: Normal host- mild fever, influenza type symptoms Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women (risk of miscarriage / stillbirth), the elderly, and those with lowered immune systems Symptoms: Normal host- mild fever, influenza type symptoms At risk host- Fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, infection of feutus, septicemia, meningitis, still birth Onset time: 3 days to 3 weeks

Staphyloccus aureus Source: Infected sores, nasal secretions, skin, perspiration, hair Foods found in: Contaminated moist protein foods; eggs, fish, meat products

Staphyloccus aureus Symptoms: Abdominal pain, severe vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps- sometimes collapse Onset time: 1 to 6 hours (usually 2-4 hours)

Escherichia coli Source: Large intestine- faeces Foods found in: Unwashed vegetables, undercooked meat, contaminated water, raw milk

Escherichia coli Symptoms: Severe abdominal cramps, watery diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting Onset time: 7 days

Campylobacter Source: Waste of man and animals Campylobacter is infectious and can be spread to other people Foods found in: Contaminated meat and meat products, especially poultry Contaminated water, raw milk

Campylobacter Symptoms: Diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting Onset time: 1 to 10 days (usually 3-5 days)

Bacillus cereus Source: Outer casing of rice, environment, animals Foods found in: Milk, meats, vegetables, rice, sauces, puddings, soups There are 2 types of B. cereus; Diarrhoeal – causing diarrhoea and Emetic- causing vomiting The emetic toxin type grows well in rice dises

Bacillus cereus Symptoms: Diarrhoeal – nausea, abdominal pains, watery diarrhoea Emetic – Nausea and vomiting Onset time: Diarrhoeal – 8-16 hours after eating Emetic – 1-6 hours after eating