A child developed symptoms of food poisoning after 4 hours of ingestion of fried rice. Bacillus cereus was suspected. Which among the following is TRUE about the symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning in this case?
**Core Concept**
Bacillus cereus is a gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause food poisoning, characterized by two distinct syndromes: the emetic (vomiting) and diarrheal syndromes. In the emetic syndrome, the bacteria produce a toxin that causes vomiting, often within 1-6 hours after ingestion of contaminated food.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The emetic syndrome of Bacillus cereus food poisoning is characterized by sudden onset of vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and a feeling of nausea. The symptoms typically occur within 1-6 hours after ingestion of contaminated food, such as fried rice, which is a common vehicle for this type of food poisoning. The toxin responsible for these symptoms is a heat-stable enterotoxin produced by the bacteria.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Diarrhea is more commonly associated with the diarrheal syndrome of Bacillus cereus food poisoning, which typically occurs after 8-16 hours of ingestion of contaminated food. This option is incorrect because it is not specific to the emetic syndrome.
**Option B:** Abdominal pain is a common symptom of both the emetic and diarrheal syndromes of Bacillus cereus food poisoning. This option is incorrect because it is not specific to the emetic syndrome.
**Option C:** Fever is not typically associated with the emetic syndrome of Bacillus cereus food poisoning. This option is incorrect because it is not characteristic of the emetic syndrome.
**Option D:** This option is not provided.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To remember the two syndromes of Bacillus cereus food poisoning, use the mnemonic "ED" (emetic and diarrheal) and associate the "E" with the toxin that causes vomiting (emetic syndrome) and the "D" with the symptoms that occur later (diarrheal syndrome).
**Correct Answer:** C.