What is the range for symptom onset after ingestion of Bacillus cereus?

The correct answer is rooted in understanding the characteristics of Bacillus cereus, a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness. When Bacillus cereus is ingested, particularly in its emetic type (which is often linked to fried rice and starchy foods), symptoms such as nausea and vomiting can arise quite quickly. The onset of these symptoms typically occurs within 30 minutes to 6 hours after consumption.

For the diarreheagenic type of Bacillus cereus, symptoms such as diarrhea and abdominal cramps usually present themselves within 6 to 15 hours following ingestion. Therefore, option B, which indicates a symptom onset range of 30 minutes to 15 hours, encompasses both types of illness from Bacillus cereus, making it the most accurate choice.

This range reflects how quickly the toxins produced by the bacteria can affect the gastrointestinal system, prompting the onset of symptoms. Understanding these time frames is critical for identifying and managing foodborne illnesses effectively.