Sanitation Certification Practice Test

What is a common way that non-typhoidal Salmonella is transmitted?

1. Airborne infection

2. Vector-borne transmission

3. Fecal-oral route

4. Contaminated water sources

The correct answer is: Fecal-oral route

Non-typhoidal Salmonella is commonly transmitted through the fecal-oral route. This transmission occurs when an individual ingests food or water contaminated with feces from an infected person or animal. Salmonella bacteria can be present in the gastrointestinal tracts of various animals, particularly poultry, cattle, and reptiles, which can contaminate a wide array of food products. This is why practicing proper hygiene, such as thorough handwashing after handling raw food or being in contact with animals, is essential in preventing the spread of these bacteria. In contrast, airborne infection and vector-borne transmission are not typical pathways for non-typhoidal Salmonella. Airborne infections typically relate to pathogens spread through the air, such as respiratory viruses, while vector-borne transmission involves disease spread by vectors like mosquitoes or ticks, neither of which is relevant for this type of Salmonella. Contaminated water sources can be a concern for some pathogens, but for non-typhoidal Salmonella, the fecal-oral route through contaminated food remains the primary method of transmission.