Mission Microbe
What tools do scientists use to see most microorganisms?
A microscope
How many open cases to we have?
4
I help make yogurt.
Lactobacillus
This bacterium is unusual because it can continue to grow at refrigerator temperatures and is often associated with dairy products and deli meats.
Listeria monocytogenes
A family of four ate ice cream together. Three people ate chocolate ice cream, but one person chose vanilla. Only the person who ate vanilla became sick several days later. Investigators tested both flavors and found the answer. What was the most likely source of the outbreak?
The vanilla Ice cream
You have interviewed patients, collected food histories, examined bacteria under microscopes, cultured samples on agar plates, and reviewed laboratory evidence. What is the most important tool a disease detective uses to solve an outbreak?
Evidence, observation, data, scientific investigation, critical thinking, teamwork.
Name one helpful microorganism.
Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Yeast (Saccharomyces), Rhizobium
I can grow in the refrigerator
Listeria Monocytogenes
Before Preparing Food, what should you always do?
Wash your hands
True or False: ALL microorganisms make people sick
False
Give me a name of the active open cases in our Investigations?
What is The Pool Party, The Family Vacation, The County Fair, and The Church Picnic
Which group is not a microorganism?
A. Bacteria
B. Viruses
C. Mammals
D. Fungi
C. Mammals
I'm commonly found in undercooked chicken.
Salmonella or Campylobacter
Name one food that is commonly associated with Salmonella
Chicken, Eggs, Poultry
What is an agar plate used for?
What are the foods being tested during the Mission Microbe Investigation?
What is Banana Pudding, Ice Cream, Hamburger and Potato Salad?
What is the name of the scientist who investigates disease outbreaks?
Epidemiologists
I'm famous for causing vomiting outbreaks on cruise ships.
Norovirus
True or False: Food that looks and smells normal can still make you sick.
True
Why should the lid stay on an agar plate as much as possible?
To prevent contamination.
During an outbreak investigation, detectives found that several people became ill after eating the same dessert. Some became very sick, while others had only mild symptoms. Give two scientific reasons why people who ate the same contaminated food might have different symptoms.
Different Ages, Different Immune Systems, Different amounts of contaminated food eaten, underlying health conditions, Different overall health or genetics
Scientists interview patients, compare what they ate, collect laboratory samples and trace where food came from. What type of investigation are they performing?
A foodborne outbreak investigation (an epidemiological investigation).
Some strains of me are helpful, but others can cause serious foodborne illness.
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Which of these foods is most commonly linked to Listeria monocytogenes?
A. Apples
B. Soft Cheese
C. Rice
D. Bread
B. Soft Cheese
Why do scientists interview patients during an outbreak investigation?
To discover what they have in common (foods eaten, places visited, activities)