Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question presents two statements about typhoid fever: one regarding its mode of transmission and the other concerning the Gram-staining characteristics of the causative bacterium.
Step 2: Key Concepts and Approach:
We evaluate the pathogenesis, transmission, and microbiology of Salmonella typhi.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Statement I: Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.
It is transmitted via the fecal-oral route, primarily through the consumption of food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person or carrier. Thus, Statement I is correct.
• Statement II: Salmonella typhi is a rod-shaped, flagellated, Gram-negative bacterium.
It is not Gram-positive. Gram-negative bacteria have a thin peptidoglycan cell wall and an outer lipopolysaccharide membrane, which prevents them from retaining the crystal violet stain. Thus, Statement II is incorrect.
Step 4: Final Answer:
Statement I is correct, but Statement II is incorrect, making option (C) the correct choice.