Which of the following is a human foodborne pathogen of poultry?

• A. Salmonella
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Campylobacter jejuni
• D. Listeria monocytogenes

Answer: (C)

Campylobacter jejuni is the bacterium most closely linked to poultry as a source of human illness. Chickens and other birds often carry Campylobacter in their intestines without showing disease, and during slaughter or handling, the organism can contaminate raw poultry meat. When people eat undercooked poultry or cross-contaminate other foods, they can develop gastroenteritis from this pathogen. It survives well in the poultry gut and is readily transmitted to humans through typical poultry preparation and consumption practices. While other organisms on the list can cause foodborne illness, Campylobacter jejuni is the one most characteristically associated with poultry as the source of human infection, making it the best answer.