Question:

Statement I: Typhoid bacteria are transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Statement II: Salmonella typhi is a gram-positive bacterium.

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Salmonella is a Gram-negative enterobacterium.
The Widal test is the standard serological test used to diagnose typhoid fever by detecting antibodies against O and H antigens of the bacteria.
Updated On: Jul 22, 2026
  • Statement I and II are correct
  • Statement I and II are incorrect
  • Statement I is correct II is incorrect
  • Statement I is incorrect II is correct
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

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.
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