Question

Select the micro-organism which is NOT an enteric pathogen.

• A. Staphylococcus aureus
• B. \textit{Vibrio cholerae}
• C. \textit{Escherichia coli}
• D. \textit{Salmonella typhi}

Hint:

Remember: Vibrio, E. coli, and Salmonella are classic enteric bacteria; Staphylococcus is not.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Define enteric pathogen.
Enteric pathogens are microorganisms that primarily infect the intestine and are transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically resulting in diarrhea, dysentery, or typhoid.

Step 2: Examine each option.
- (B) Vibrio cholerae: Causes cholera, a recognized intestinal infection.
- (C) Escherichia coli: A gut bacterium, some strains of which are pathogenic to the intestine.
- (D) Salmonella typhi: Responsible for typhoid fever (enteric fever).
- (A) Staphylococcus aureus: Primarily associated with skin, wound, and respiratory infections. Although it can cause food poisoning through enterotoxins, it does not colonize the intestine as an enteric pathogen.

Step 3: Conclusion.
Therefore, Staphylococcus aureus is not classified as an enteric pathogen. \[\boxed{(A) \; Staphylococcus aureus}\] % Quicktip