Final answer:
Clostridium botulinum contamination can cause fatal shock within 10 to 15 minutes after symptoms begin. This quick onset distinguishes it from other foodborne pathogens that typically take longer to manifest symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of contamination that can lead to fatal shock within only 10 to 15 minutes after the onset of symptoms is caused by Clostridium botulinum. This anaerobic bacterium produces a toxin that can cause botulism, a potentially fatal disease if not treated immediately. Unlike other foodborne pathogens which may take hours or days to cause symptoms, the toxin from Clostridium botulinum can act very quickly. Proper food handling and sterilization reduce the risk of contamination, but when exposure occurs, the rapid onset of symptoms such as blurred vision, weakness, and difficulty swallowing can lead to a medical emergency requiring prompt attention to prevent respiratory failure or shock.