Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

What gastrointestinal symptoms are typical of Staphylococcus aureus intoxication?

1. Vomiting, headaches, and fatigue

2. Vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps

3. Sore throat and jaundice

4. Diarrhea, impaired vision, and difficulty swallowing

The correct answer is: Vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps

Staphylococcus aureus intoxication is primarily associated with the consumption of food contaminated with the enterotoxins produced by this bacteria. The key gastrointestinal symptoms that manifest typically due to these toxins include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Vomiting is often one of the earliest symptoms, frequently occurring shortly after ingestion of the contaminated food. Diarrhea follows as the gastrointestinal tract reacts to the toxins, leading to increased water and electrolyte loss, which can result in dehydration if not managed properly. Abdominal cramps are also a common symptom, as they are a direct consequence of the irritation of the gastric and intestinal lining caused by the toxins. Understanding these symptoms is critical for food safety professionals, as they indicate a quick onset of illness, typically within a few hours of consuming contaminated food. This rapid onset is a hallmark of intoxications rather than infections, which usually have longer incubation periods. The other options reference symptoms that are not consistent with Staphylococcus aureus intoxication. Symptoms such as sore throat and jaundice do not relate to this bacteria and indicate other types of illnesses or infections, which reinforces the importance of recognizing the specific symptoms associated with foodborne pathogens for proper identification and management of outbreaks.