gastrointestinal disorders
Staphylococcal Food Poisoning
Introduction
Staphylococcal food poisoning is due to a preformed toxin made byStaphylococcus aureusbacteria that have contaminated food. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting with abdominal cramps are typically of rapid onset, usually within several hours of ingestion. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is supportive with fluids. S. aureusis commonly present on skin and can enter food if food handlers do not wash properly before touching food. If the food is then left at room temperature, the bacteria can multiply and produce toxin. Food contaminated withStaphylococcustoxin may not smell bad or look spoiled. (See also Overview of Gastroenteritis .) 