Question

What is the mechanism by which pathogens enter through the digestive tract portal of entry?

Options

• Ingestion of contaminated food or water

• Inhalation of respiratory droplets

• Direct contact with skin lesions

• Sexual contact with infected individuals

Answer 1

The digestive tract portal of entry operates through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae (cholera), Salmonella typhi (typhoid), and Shigella species (dysentery) contaminate food or water supplies and are ingested orally, surviving stomach acid to establish infection in the gastrointestinal tract.