Definition

Salmonella is a rod-shaped bacteria that can live in a variety of conditions, including in water, soil, raw meats, raw poultry, eggs, animal feces, insects, and raw seafood. Once the bacteria is ingested by a human host, within 6-48 hours Salmonella will pass through the stomach to the intestine where it causes inflammation and produces toxins. The resulting condition often includes nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. The symptoms usually last 5-7 days. Salmonellosis often subsides on its own.

This condition can be serious in vulnerable populations, including the elderly and infants. In those cases, it should be treated by a doctor. Rarely, more serious complications can occur, such as endocarditis, bacteremia, osteomyelitis, and infections.

Endocarditis

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Causes

Salmonellosis is caused by ingestion of a strain of the bacteria, Salmonella, and resulting penetration of the organisms into the small intestine where inflammation occurs. The main types of Salmonella include:

• S. enteritidis
• S. typhimurium
• S. typhi

Risk Factors

These risk factors increase your chance of developing salmonellosis. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:

• Eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs, fish, or seafood
• Eating unpasteurized dairy products
• Eating other contaminated foods
• Drinking contaminated water
• Having a compromised immune system, such as in:
  • Elderly persons
  • Infants
  • People with HIV/AIDS
  • People with low stomach acidity (eg, those who take medicine that reduces stomach acid)

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to salmonellosis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Headaches

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam. Your doctor may test the stool or blood to confirm presence of Salmonella bacteria

Treatment

Over-the-counter medicines or oral rehydration solutions may be used to treat the symptoms of salmonellosis. The symptoms will usually subside on their own within 2-5 days. If symptoms are severe, talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

• Rehydration therapy—With diarrhea and vomiting, oral or IV (given through a vein) replenishment of fluids is needed. Electrolytes may also be added to the solution.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen —Over-the-counter pain relievers may be used to reduce fever or treat headaches and other pain.
• Antibiotics—These are required in severe cases.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting salmonellosis, take the following steps:

• Frequently wash hands and surfaces.
• Wash hands and cutting boards with hot soapy water before and after handling raw foods.
• Wash hands and utensils thoroughly between handling raw meats, fish, or poultry.
• Do not use the same cutting boards for raw meats and raw vegetables.
• Cook all foods to appropriate temperatures.
• Place foods in the refrigerator promptly.
• Since certain medicines, like those to reduce stomach acid, may increase your risk for salmonellosis, talk to your doctor about this risk.