Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

In a reservoir with high E. coli counts, what other contaminant would be most concerning?

1. Clostridium botulinum

2. Salmonella

3. Legionella

4. Staphylococcus aureus

The correct answer is: Salmonella

In a reservoir with high E. coli counts, the presence of Salmonella is particularly concerning because both of these bacteria are indicators of fecal contamination. E. coli is commonly associated with fecal matter and the presence of pathogenic strains can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses. Salmonella is another pathogen that commonly originates from contaminated water, food, or contact with animals. The correlation between high E. coli levels and the potential for other fecal pathogens, including Salmonella, poses a significant public health risk as both cause diarrheal diseases and can lead to severe health complications. In the context of public health, monitoring E. coli levels helps identify risks associated with waterborne illnesses, and the likelihood of finding other pathogens such as Salmonella in the same contaminated environment increases. Hence, the presence of E. coli serves as a red flag for potential outbreaks of Salmonellosis and related illnesses, making the possibility of Salmonella contamination a critical concern.