Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Which foodborne illness leads to symptoms including muscle contractions and difficulty swallowing?

1. Staphylococcus aureus intoxication

2. Clostridium botulinum intoxication

3. Bacillus cereus infection

4. Campylobacter jejuni infection

The correct answer is: Clostridium botulinum intoxication

The symptoms described—muscle contractions and difficulty swallowing—are characteristic of botulism, which is caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces a potent neurotoxin that affects the nervous system. The toxin can lead to various neurological symptoms, including flaccid paralysis, muscle weakness, and difficulty in swallowing or speaking due to its effects on muscle control. Clostridium botulinum is typically associated with improperly canned or preserved foods, where anaerobic conditions allow the bacteria to thrive and produce its toxin. Once ingested, the neurotoxin can interfere with motor function and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. In contrast, the other answer choices involve different pathogens that do not typically present with the same neurological symptoms. Staphylococcus aureus intoxication primarily leads to gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Bacillus cereus infection usually results in either diarrhea or vomiting, depending on the type of toxin produced. Campylobacter jejuni infection is mostly associated with gastrointestinal distress and does not typically result in the neurological symptoms described. Understanding these distinctions is key in identifying foodborne illnesses based on their symptoms and the pathogens responsible.