title: Bacterial food poisoning: what to do if prevention fails.
abstract: The numerous etiologies of food poisoning make assessment of this disease a cultural, bacteriologic, chemical, gastronomic, and epidemiologic research project. Cautious investigation and study of etiologic possibilities are most stimulating intellectual exercises and obviously benefit the patient. Often, a case of food poisoning necessitates interaction with the local health department in search of the causative agent before other people are afflicted. A thorough knowledge of this field is essential to provide reasonable care to the millions "poisoned" by food annually.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001409:Bacillus cereus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001906:Botulism / Q000150:complications; D002169:Campylobacter Infections / Q000150:complications; D003015:Clostridium Infections / Q000150:complications; D003014:Clostridium botulinum; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health; D012478:Salmonella Food Poisoning / Q000150:complications; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000150:complications