Which organism is listed as a major foodborne parasite in the United States?

Which organism is listed as a major foodborne parasite in the United States?

• A. Ascaris lumbricoides
• B. Cryptosporidium parvum
• C. Taenia solium
• D. Enterobius vermicularis

Answer: (B)

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite recognized as a major cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It forms hardy oocysts that can contaminate water and foods—especially produce and unpasteurized beverages—and these oocysts resist standard chlorine disinfection, making them difficult to inactivate with typical sanitizing processes. This combination of frequent outbreaks and resilience to common water treatment is why it’s considered a leading foodborne parasite. The other organisms listed are parasites, but their typical transmission routes and public-health impact in the U.S. do not match crypto’s prominence as a foodborne risk.

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan parasite recognized as a major cause of foodborne illness in the United States. It forms hardy oocysts that can contaminate water and foods—especially produce and unpasteurized beverages—and these oocysts resist standard chlorine disinfection, making them difficult to inactivate with typical sanitizing processes. This combination of frequent outbreaks and resilience to common water treatment is why it’s considered a leading foodborne parasite. The other organisms listed are parasites, but their typical transmission routes and public-health impact in the U.S. do not match crypto’s prominence as a foodborne risk.