Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis
Salmonella bacteria
ICD-10
ICD-9
DiseasesDB
MedlinePlus
eMedicine
MeSH ID

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella. It is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated water or food.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms typically begin six hours to six days after infection and can last four to seven days. In some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In rare cases, the infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body, which can be life-threatening unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Causes

Salmonellosis is caused by infection with Salmonella bacteria. There are many different types of Salmonella, but the most common ones that cause illness in humans are Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori. The bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals and are shed through feces. Humans typically become infected through:

• Eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, or egg products
• Drinking contaminated water
• Contact with infected animals, especially reptiles and birds

Diagnosis

Salmonellosis is diagnosed by a laboratory test of a stool sample. The test can identify the presence of Salmonella bacteria. In some cases, blood tests may be used to detect the bacteria if the infection has spread beyond the intestines.

Prevention

Preventing salmonellosis involves proper food handling and cooking practices. Key prevention strategies include:

• Cooking meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly
• Avoiding cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods
• Washing hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry
• Avoiding consumption of raw or unpasteurized milk and other dairy products

Prevention of Salmonella from the farm to table

Treatment

Most people recover from salmonellosis without treatment. The primary treatment is rehydration, either orally or intravenously, to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. In severe cases, antibiotics may be prescribed, especially if the infection has spread beyond the intestines.

Complications

Complications from salmonellosis can include severe dehydration, which may require hospitalization. In some cases, the infection can lead to reactive arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and swelling.

Also see

• Foodborne illness
• Gastroenteritis
• Infectious disease
• Antibiotic resistance