Which of these bacterial diseases occurs due to the consumption of contaminated water?

BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Applied Microbiology & Infection control

Easy

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi.
Its primary mode of transmission is the fecal-oral route, meaning the pathogen is shed in the feces of an infected person and enters a new host through the mouth.
This transmission commonly occurs through the ingestion of water or food that has been contaminated with fecal matter from an infected individual.
Therefore, it is correctly identified as a disease that occurs due to the consumption of contaminated water.

Option B: Trachoma is an eye infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It spreads through direct contact with the eye, nose, or throat secretions of infected people, or through contaminated objects (fomites) and flies. It is not transmitted by consuming contaminated water.
Option C: Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads from person to person through the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or speaks, releasing respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.
Option D: Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, whose spores are found in soil, dust, and animal feces. The infection occurs when these spores enter the body through a deep cut or wound, not through ingestion.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Transmission routes of common bacterial diseases as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of public health education, teaching communities about the critical importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices to prevent waterborne diseases like typhoid.
Recognizing the signs of typhoid (sustained high fever, headache, weakness, stomach pain) is crucial for early diagnosis and initiation of antibiotic therapy, preventing severe complications like intestinal perforation.
Nurses should advocate for and administer the typhoid vaccine for at-risk populations, including children in endemic areas and travelers.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'bacterial disease' and 'consumption of contaminated water'. This sets the specific criteria for the correct answer.
Next, systematically evaluate each option based on your knowledge of its transmission route.
Recall that Tuberculosis is airborne.
Recall that Tetanus is transmitted through wound contamination.
Recall that Trachoma is spread by direct contact with eye/nose secretions.
Finally, identify that Typhoid fever is a classic example of a disease spread via the fecal-oral route, which includes the consumption of contaminated water. This makes it the only option that fits all the criteria.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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