Salmonella is type of food poisoning caused by the Salmonella enterica bacterium. There are many different kinds of these bacteria. Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Salmonella serotype Enteritidis are the most common types in the United States. Salmonella infection is a common bacterial disease that affects the intestinal tract. Salmonella bacteria typically live in animal and human intestines and are shed through feaces. Humans become infected most frequently through contaminated food or water .

Most persons infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most persons recover without treatment. However, in some persons, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.

Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for Salmonella infection and are the most likely to have severe infections.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Headache
• Possible nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite

You may contract Salmonella by:

• Food contaminated during food processing or food handling.
• Food contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected food handler.
• Salmonella found in the feaces of some pets, especially those with diarrhea.
• Reptiles, baby chicks and ducklings, and small rodents such as hamsters are particularly likely to carry Salmonella.

Beef, poultry, milk, and eggs are most often infected with salmonella. But vegetables may also be contaminated. Contaminated foods usually look and smell normal.

Prevention

• Cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs, or raw (unpasteurized) milk.
• Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.
• Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles, birds, or baby chicks, and after contact with pet feces.
• Avoid direct or even indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or immunocompromised persons.
• Don’t work with raw poultry or meat, and an infant (e.g., feed, change diaper) at the same time.
• Mother’s milk is the safest food for young infants. Breastfeeding prevents salmonellosis and many other health problems.

Test options

Salmonella: Detection of Salmonella Species

A.I.I Panel : Acute intestinal Infections Panel

Learn more about Salmonella

http://www.foodsafety.gov/poisoning/causes/bacteriaviruses/salmonella/

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/basics/definition/con-20029017

http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/salmonellosis-topic-overview

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/salmonellainfections.html