Which of the following is NOT among the four organisms specifically listed in the NASPHV compendium as shedding during birthing?

• A. Coxiella burnetii
• B. Brucella spp.
• C. Escherichia coli
• D. Leptospira spp.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that during birthing, certain pathogens are known to be shed in birth materials, creating a specific occupational exposure risk for people handling placentas, fetal fluids, or newborns. The NASPHV compendium highlights four organisms that are specifically associated with shedding in these birthing contexts. Among the options given, Escherichia coli is not one of those four organisms listed as being shed during birthing, whereas the others are the types of pathogens the compendium flags for this scenario. This matters because it guides which agents require heightened biosafety precautions when assisting with parturition and handling birth materials.