Question

Arrange the following causative organisms for food poisoning with increasing order of incubation period:
1. (A) Staphylococcal
2. (B) Salmonella
3. (C) Cl. perfringens
4. (D) Botulism

• A. (A), (B), (C), (D)
• B. (A), (C), (B), (D)
• C. (B), (A), (D), (C)
• D. (C), (B), (D), (A)

Hint:

Incubation period refers to the time between exposure to a causative organism and the onset of symptoms. Knowing these helps in identifying the likely causative agent in foodborne outbreaks.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The incubation periods for the causative organisms of food poisoning are as follows:

• Staphylococcal food poisoning: 1–6 hours (shortest)
• Cl. perfringens: 8–16 hours
• Salmonella: 12–72 hours
• Botulism: 18–36 hours (longest)

Hence, the correct order of increasing incubation period is: (A), (C), (B), (D).