Which pathogen is commonly linked to molluscan shellfish?

Which pathogen is commonly linked to molluscan shellfish?

• A. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli
• B. Campylobacter Jejuni
• C. Salmonella
• D. Vibrio

Answer: (D)

Pathogens tied to molluscan shellfish are those that thrive in marine environments and tend to concentrate in filter-feeding shellfish like oysters. Vibrio bacteria live in seawater and readily accumulate in molluscs, so consuming raw or undercooked shellfish can cause illness, with Vibrio vulnificus posing a particularly high risk to people with liver disease or weakened immunity and other Vibrio species causing gastroenteritis. This marine link makes Vibrio the most accurate association for molluscan shellfish. While Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella are important foodborne pathogens overall, they are more commonly connected to other foods such as beef, poultry, dairy, and produce rather than molluscan shellfish.

Pathogens tied to molluscan shellfish are those that thrive in marine environments and tend to concentrate in filter-feeding shellfish like oysters. Vibrio bacteria live in seawater and readily accumulate in molluscs, so consuming raw or undercooked shellfish can cause illness, with Vibrio vulnificus posing a particularly high risk to people with liver disease or weakened immunity and other Vibrio species causing gastroenteritis. This marine link makes Vibrio the most accurate association for molluscan shellfish. While Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella are important foodborne pathogens overall, they are more commonly connected to other foods such as beef, poultry, dairy, and produce rather than molluscan shellfish.