What are the symptoms of Staphylococcus Aureus contamination?

Staphylococcus aureus contamination often presents with gastrointestinal symptoms, which aligns with the correct choice. Individuals infected with this pathogen typically experience nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. These symptoms are the result of the toxins produced by the bacteria, which can lead to a rapid onset of food poisoning, usually within a few hours after consuming contaminated food.

While other options may include symptoms that could be related to various infections or conditions, they do not specifically represent the classic presentation of Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning. For example, fever, headaches, and fatigue are more indicative of systemic infections rather than a direct result of Staphylococcus aureus toxins. Similarly, severe abdominal pain and vomiting can arise from a variety of gastrointestinal issues but are not the hallmark symptoms associated with this particular bacterium. Chills, irritability, and dehydration might be seen in conditions that cause systemic illness and could accompany several different infections, but they do not specifically correlate with the typical symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus contamination.

Therefore, the selection of nausea, cramps, and diarrhea as the symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus contamination is well-supported by the understanding of the bacteria’s role in foodborne illness.