What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is an infection caused by the Salmonella virus, characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. The Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of animals and humans and are spread through feces. Salmonella typically resolves on its own within a few days. It can cause significant fluid loss in the body, so it is essential to drink plenty of fluids. Hands should be washed with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and after contact with animals.

What is Salmonella Infection?

Salmonella is a common infection that affects the intestinal system and is caused by Salmonella bacteria. It is most frequently transmitted to humans through contaminated water and food. It is seen as the most common form of bacterial food poisoning. Salmonella destroys cells in the intestines. Not everyone infected with this condition will show symptoms. However, many people will exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting within a few hours or days after exposure. If adequate fluid intake is not maintained during diarrhea, it can lead to dehydration (excessive fluid loss in the body), requiring urgent medical attention. If the infection spreads to different areas of the body beyond the intestines, it can cause serious complications.

What Are the Symptoms of Salmonella?

Salmonella infection can result from the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, eggs, poultry, and unpasteurized milk. Symptoms may appear after a while or may not appear at all. Possible symptoms that can occur after contracting a Salmonella infection include:

• Stomach and abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Blood in stool
• Chills
• Headache

These symptoms can improve within a few days or weeks. Sometimes, diarrhea may persist for a longer duration. Salmonella infection can also lead to complications in the body.

Complications
Salmonella infection is generally not life-threatening; however, it can cause complications in infants, young children, individuals who have undergone organ transplants, elderly people, or those with weakened immune systems.

• Dehydration: Individuals lose excessive fluid due to diarrhea. If they do not receive the necessary amount of fluids during this illness, dehydration can occur. Some signs of this condition include: producing less and darker urine than normal, dry mouth, fatigue and weakness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, and constipation.
• Bacteremia: If Salmonella enters the bloodstream, it can begin to infect other organs and tissues in the body. It may cause inflammation in the bones, joints, brain, and heart valves. Bacteremia can lead to a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.
• Salmonella Osteomyelitis: There is a higher likelihood of occurrence in individuals with conditions such as sickle cell disease (where red blood cells take on a crescent shape and block blood vessels) and thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia). If you have had Salmonella and experience certain symptoms, you should seek medical attention. These symptoms may include: bone pain, back pain, difficulty moving or pain, swollen, red, fluid-filled blisters.
• Reactive Arthritis: The immune system may sometimes attack other areas while fighting off disease in one region. Reactive arthritis refers to inflammation occurring in the lower back, joints, and eyes. It can lead to lower back pain, joint pain, conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), and mouth sores.

How is Salmonella Diagnosed?

In diagnosing Salmonella, symptoms are first evaluated, followed by the request for tests. Stool, blood, and urine tests are requested. The laboratory checks these samples for the presence of Salmonella bacteria. Diagnosis is usually made based on the results from the stool sample. If the doctor suspects that the bacteria have started to spread throughout the body, a blood test may be requested. People can show improvement without treatment, but in some cases where the situation becomes serious, medication or hospitalization may be necessary.

Salmonella Transmission

Salmonella is a contagious disease that can be transmitted from one person or animal to another. Practicing proper hand hygiene and bathroom hygiene is essential. Infected individuals who do not wash their hands can contaminate surfaces and food, leading to the spread of the disease.

The Salmonella virus can be transmitted to humans through contaminated foods. Animal-based foods like beef, pork, poultry, dairy products, and eggs are common sources of contamination. Sometimes vegetables can also become contaminated. Cooking raw animal products thoroughly can kill the Salmonella virus.

If infected individuals handle food without washing their hands after using the bathroom, they can transmit the bacteria through food. In schools or other shared environments where bathroom cleanliness is inadequate, Salmonella can spread to many people.

Certain reptiles, as well as baby chicks and ducklings, can carry Salmonella. Anyone who comes into contact with these animals should wash their hands with soap and water.

Who Is at Risk?

Certain factors can increase the risk of contracting Salmonella infection. Conditions that heighten exposure to Salmonella or weaken the immune system generally increase susceptibility. Below are groups at higher risk of Salmonella infection:

• International travel: Places with poor hygiene conditions, where typhoid fever is more common, have a higher risk of Salmonella transmission.
• Contact with animals: Since animals can carry the bacteria, contact with them can increase infection risk. Rarely, household pets may also transmit Salmonella through their feces.
• Stomach or intestinal issues: The body has a natural defense against Salmonella infection, with stomach acid playing a critical role. However, certain medical conditions or medications can compromise this defense. Using antacids reduces stomach acid’s protective barrier, while inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can damage the inner lining of the intestines, making it easier for Salmonella to adhere. Antibiotic use can also reduce beneficial gut bacteria, making it harder to combat infection.
• Weakened immune system: Medical conditions or factors such as malnutrition can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections. Conditions like HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, sickle cell anemia, and malaria can weaken immunity, increasing infection risk.

Treatment for Salmonella

People can sometimes recover without treatment within about a week.

Salmonella infection often causes dehydration, leading to substantial loss of fluids and electrolytes. If fluid loss is excessive, intravenous fluids may be given.

Medications can relieve diarrhea-related symptoms, and antibiotics are prescribed if the infection has spread throughout the body. However, antibiotics are not always preferred, as they can also kill beneficial bacteria. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).

Preventing Salmonella Infection

To prevent Salmonella transmission, care should be taken in food preparation and animal contact. Prevention methods include:

• Use restrooms you know are clean whenever possible.
• Practice hand hygiene after using the bathroom.
• Wash hands before preparing food.
• Keep food preparation areas clean.
• Wash fruits and vegetables before chopping.
• Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, eggs, and poultry away from other foods.
• Freeze raw meats and poultry if not consuming immediately.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk and foods made with it.
• Do not use untreated water.
• Wash hands thoroughly after contact with animals, their water bowls, food containers, or toys.
• Avoid contact with pet feces and practice hand hygiene if you have pets.
• Avoid close contact with animals if you have a weakened immune system.

Salmonella infection is typically not severe. However, some individuals may experience more severe effects. If your symptoms are serious or persistent, consult a doctor. If you have a weakened immune system, seek treatment early to prevent severe complications