Which pathogen is commonly linked to poultry?

• A. Campylobacter jejuni
• B. Vibrio
• C. Shigella
• D. Listeria monocytogenes

Answer: (A)

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis linked to poultry because this bacterium is frequently found in the intestinal tracts of birds and readily contaminates meat during slaughter. People typically get sick from undercooked poultry or from cross-contamination with raw poultry juices, with symptoms like diarrhea, cramps, and fever. This connection to poultry is stronger than for the other pathogens listed: Vibrio is more commonly associated with seafood and brackish water, Shigella is often linked to person-to-person spread and contaminated foods in settings like daycares, and Listeria monocytogenes is more associated with ready-to-eat foods such as deli meats and soft cheeses. To prevent Campylobacter infections, cook poultry to a safe internal temperature and avoid cross-contamination between raw poultry and other foods.