What is the most likely causative agent of stomach cramps after eating ham at a restaurant?

• A. Salmonella
• B. Campylobacter
• C. E. coli
• D. Listeria

Answer: (A)

The scenario points to a foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis linked to a pork product. Salmonella is a common cause of stomach cramps and diarrhea after eating contaminated meats, including pork products like ham. The illness typically develops relatively soon after a meal, with cramping, diarrhea, and sometimes nausea or fever, which fits this situation well.

Campylobacter is more often associated with undercooked poultry, not pork as strongly. E. coli gastroenteritis is classically tied to undercooked ground beef or contaminated produce, not specifically ham. Listeria is a concern with ready‑to‑eat deli meats and can cause illness that may be more severe or prolonged, often affecting vulnerable groups; its presentation and epidemiology differ from a simple acute gastroenteritis after a single ham meal.

So, the most likely causative agent for stomach cramps after eating ham at a restaurant is Salmonella.