Which pathogen is included in the Big Six pathogens?

Which pathogen is included in the Big Six pathogens?

• A. Listeria monocytogenes
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Campylobacter jejuni
• D. Shigella

Answer: (D)

The Big Six are the six priority bacterial pathogens targeted for prevention and surveillance in food safety because of their disease burden and potential for outbreaks. Shigella fits this group due to the illness it causes—shigellosis—which can be severe and often results from a very low infectious dose. Its transmission is mainly fecal-oral, including through contaminated food or water and through poor hygiene, making outbreaks easier to spread in settings like daycares or where food handling occurs. This combination of high contagiousness and potential for significant illness is why Shigella is recognized as one of the Big Six.

The Big Six are the six priority bacterial pathogens targeted for prevention and surveillance in food safety because of their disease burden and potential for outbreaks. Shigella fits this group due to the illness it causes—shigellosis—which can be severe and often results from a very low infectious dose. Its transmission is mainly fecal-oral, including through contaminated food or water and through poor hygiene, making outbreaks easier to spread in settings like daycares or where food handling occurs. This combination of high contagiousness and potential for significant illness is why Shigella is recognized as one of the Big Six.