food poisoning (bacterial)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Classification:

  • toxin type - release pre-formed toxin causing rapid onset of symptoms; usually short duration, afebrile:
    • Staphylococcus aureus
    • Bacillus cereus

  • intermediate-type - pre-formed toxin released once organism has multiplied within the gut; 12 hour incubation period:
    • Clostridium perfringens
    • Clostridium botulinum

  • infectious type - organisms multiply within and invade the gut; incubation period of several days:
    • Campylobacter - most common cause of bacterial food poisoning overall in UK
    • Salmonellosis
    • Shigella
    • E. coli
    • Vibrio parahaemolyticus } UK
    • Yersinia } rarities