Question

Some of the individuals who said they ate the barbecue with the sauce did not become ill. Which one of the following is the most likely explanation for such an occurrence?

a. Varying levels of immunity or resistance to the pathogen
b. Differences in the amount of sauce ingested
c. Varied health conditions among individuals
d. Possible prior exposure to similar pathogens

Answer 1

Individuals who did not become ill after eating contaminated barbecue sauce might have varying levels of immunity, consumed different amounts, have varied health conditions, or had previous exposure to similar pathogens. These factors influence the complex interaction between host defenses and pathogen virulence, affecting the outcome of infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to why some individuals did not become ill after consuming barbecue sauce that may have been contaminated. There are several possible explanations for such an occurrence:

• Varying levels of immunity or resistance to the pathogen may affect how individuals respond to exposure.
• Differences in the amount of sauce ingested can influence the likelihood of becoming ill since the infectious dose can vary.
• Varied health conditions among individuals such as the presence of preexisting conditions can make some people more susceptible to infection.
• Previous exposure to similar pathogens can lead to developed immunity and influence whether an individual becomes ill.

These factors contribute to the complex relationship between host factors and the pathogenicity of microorganisms, ultimately determining the outcome of exposure to potential foodborne pathogens.