What bacteria are associated with potato salad?

* Bacillus cereus is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause food poisoning. It is found in soil, dust, and water, and can contaminate food during preparation or storage. Symptoms of Bacillus cereus food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

* Clostridium botulinum is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that produces a deadly toxin called botulin. Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can cause paralysis and death. Clostridium botulinum can contaminate food during canning or preserving, or it can grow in vacuum-packed foods. Symptoms of botulism include blurred vision, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and muscle weakness.

* Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause food poisoning. E. coli is found in the intestines of humans and animals, and can contaminate food during processing, handling, or storage. Symptoms of E. coli food poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.

* Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious illness that can be fatal for people with weakened immune systems. Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil, water, and animals, and can contaminate food during processing, handling, or storage. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

* Salmonella is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that can cause salmonellosis, a foodborne illness that can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Salmonella is found in the intestines of poultry, cattle, and pigs, and can contaminate food during processing, handling, or storage.