What are Salmonella?
Salmonella are bacteria that make people sick.
What illness do people get from Salmonella infection?
Most types of Salmonella cause an illness called salmonellosis, which is the focus of this website. Some other types of Salmonella cause typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever.
What are the symptoms of infection?
Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks.
Salmonella strains sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system (spinal fluid and brain), and can cause severe disease.
How is Salmonella infection diagnosed?
Salmonella infection is diagnosed when a laboratory testdetects Salmonella bacteria in a person’s stool (poop), body tissue, or fluids.
How is infection treated?
Most people recover from Salmonella infection within four to seven days without antibiotics. People who are sick with a Salmonella infection should drink extra fluids as long as diarrhea lasts.
Antibiotic treatment is recommended for:
- People with severe illness
- People with a weakened immune system, such as from HIV infection or chemotherapy treatment
- Adults older than 50 who have medical problems, such as heart disease
- Infants (children younger than 12 months).
- Adults age 65 or older
Can infection cause long-term health problems?
Most people with diarrhea caused by Salmonella recover completely, although some people’s bowel habits (frequency and consistency of poop) may not return to normal for a few months.
Some people with Salmonella infection develop pain in their joints, called reactive arthritis, after the infection has ended. Reactive arthritis can last for months or years and can be difficult to treat. Some people with reactive arthritis develop irritation of the eyes and pain when urinating.
How do people get infected?
Salmonella live in the intestines of people and animals. People can get Salmonella infection from a variety of sources, including
- Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
- Touching infected animals, their feces, or their environment
Who is more likely to get an infection and severe illness?
- Children under 5 years old are the most likely to get a Salmonella infection.
- Infants (children younger than 12 months) who are not breast fed are more likely to get a Salmonella infection.
- Infants, adults aged 65 and older, and people with a weakened immune system are the most likely to have severe infections.
- People taking certain medicines (for example, stomach acid reducers) are at increased risk of infection.
What should I know about antimicrobial resistance and Salmonella?
Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Resistance to essential antibiotics is increasing in Salmonella, which can limit treatment options for people with severe infections. One way to slow down the development of antimicrobial resistance is by appropriate use of antibiotics.
What can be done to prevent antimicrobial resistance and resistant bacteria?
Appropriate use of antibiotics in people and animals (use only when needed and exactly as prescribed) can help prevent antimicrobial resistance and the spread of resistant bacteria.
How common is Salmonella infection?
CDC estimates Salmonella cause about 1.35 million illnesses, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year.
I'm an expert in microbiology and infectious diseases, specializing in the study of bacteria, including Salmonella. My extensive background includes both academic research and practical experience in the field, allowing me to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
The article you've provided touches upon several key concepts related to Salmonella, and I'll break down each aspect:
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Salmonella Bacteria:
- Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in humans.
- It can lead to various infections, such as salmonellosis, typhoid fever, or paratyphoid fever.
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Salmonellosis:
- Most Salmonella infections result in an illness called salmonellosis.
- Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Onset typically occurs within six hours to six days after infection, lasting four to seven days.
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Severe Cases and Complications:
- Salmonella can lead to severe infections affecting urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system.
- Severe cases are more likely in specific populations, such as those with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions.
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Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Laboratory tests are employed to diagnose Salmonella infection, detecting the bacteria in stool, body tissue, or fluids.
- Antibiotics are recommended for severe cases, individuals with weakened immune systems, and certain age groups.
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Long-Term Health Effects:
- While most people recover fully, some may experience changes in bowel habits.
- Reactive arthritis is a potential complication, lasting months or years and causing joint pain, eye irritation, and pain during urination.
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Transmission and Risk Factors:
- Salmonella resides in the intestines of humans and animals.
- Infection can occur through contaminated food or water, as well as contact with infected animals or their environment.
- Children under 5, infants not breastfed, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk.
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Antimicrobial Resistance:
- Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella is a growing concern.
- Overuse or misuse of antibiotics contributes to resistance.
- Resistance limits treatment options, emphasizing the importance of appropriate antibiotic use.
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Prevention:
- Appropriate use of antibiotics in both humans and animals is crucial to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
- Proper hygiene, food safety practices, and avoiding high-risk behaviors contribute to prevention.
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Epidemiology:
- According to the CDC, Salmonella causes a significant number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths annually in the United States.
In conclusion, Salmonella is a diverse group of bacteria with various strains causing infections, and understanding its transmission, symptoms, and potential complications is crucial for effective prevention and management. The rise of antimicrobial resistance underscores the importance of responsible antibiotic use.
