Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) Practice Exam

What happens during a foodborne infection?

1. Pathogens enter the body and die immediately

2. Pathogens enter the body in an active state and grow

3. An individual becomes ill without pathogens

4. A toxin causes illness without pathogens

The correct answer is: Pathogens enter the body in an active state and grow

During a foodborne infection, pathogens enter the body in an active state and begin to grow. This process involves the ingestion of food or drink that is contaminated with harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Once these pathogens are inside the digestive system, they start to multiply, leading to an infection as they disrupt normal body functions and may produce harmful substances or toxins. This growth and multiplication can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as the immune system responds to the invading pathogens. Unlike foodborne intoxication, where preformed toxins cause illness without the presence of the pathogens themselves, a foodborne infection requires the active presence and proliferation of the pathogens in the host's body. Understanding this distinction is vital for identifying the appropriate food safety measures and interventions needed to prevent such infections.