AAA Food Manager Certification Practice Test

Which bacteria is often associated with human intestines and has a high person-to-person transfer rate due to inadequate handwashing?

1. Salmonella

2. Shigella

3. Bacillus cereus

4. Staphylococcus aureus

The correct answer is: Shigella

The correct answer is Shigella, which is known for its high transmission rate through person-to-person contact, especially in environments where hygiene practices, such as handwashing, are not adequately followed. Shigella is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route, meaning that it can spread when an infected person does not properly wash their hands after using the restroom and then touches food or surfaces that others interact with. This bacterium is particularly concerning in settings like daycare centers or among populations with close personal contact, as even small amounts of fecal matter can lead to infection. Shigella infections can result in severe gastrointestinal distress, contributing to its high significance in food safety training. The other bacteria listed, while also important in food safety, do not have the same transmission dynamics. Salmonella, for example, is often linked to contaminated food rather than direct person-to-person contact. Bacillus cereus typically causes foodborne illness through improperly stored cooked foods, and Staphylococcus aureus outbreaks are usually attributed to handling food without washing hands rather than transmission from person to person.