Salmonella – routes of infection, symptoms, treatment

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Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a common bacterial disease that affects the digestive tract. Salmonella bacteria usually live in the intestines of animals and humans and are excreted in the faeces. People most often become infected through contaminated water or food. How does Salmonella infection occur? What symptoms does the infection cause, and how to treat it?

Salmonella – what is it?

Salmonella is a genus of gram-negative rods belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family. Within 2 species, Salmonella bongori i Samonella enterica, more than 2500 different serotypes or sub-types have been identified so far. Salmonella is a ubiquitous and resistant bacteria that can survive for several weeks in a dry environment and several months in water.

While all serotypes can cause disease in humans, a few are host specific and may only be present in one or more animal species: for example Salmonella enterica Dublin serotype in cattle i Salmonella enterica Choleraesuis serotype in pigs. When these particular serotypes cause human disease, it can be quite severe and can even be life-threatening.

However, most serotypes are multi-host. Typically, such serotypes cause gastroenteritis. The disease can be quite severe in children, the elderly and immunocompromised patients. They are in this group Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis i Salmonella entericaTyphimurium serotype, the two most important serotypes salmonella transmitted from animals to humans in most parts of the world.

Also read: Bacterial food poisoning – everything you need to know about them

Salmonellosis – a disease caused by Salmonella

Salmonellosis is a disease caused by bacteria Salmonella. It is usually characterized by an acute onset accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

The onset of disease symptoms occurs 6-72 hours (usually 12-36 hours) after infection Salmonellaand the disease lasts for 2 – 7 days.

Symptoms of salmonellosis are relatively mild and in most cases patients recover without specific treatment. However, in some cases, especially in children and the elderly, the disease can be dangerous due to dehydration, which can become severe and life-threatening.

The editorial board recommends: Dehydration of the body – what symptoms should you worry about?

Salmonella – the route of infection and transmission

Bacteria Salmonella they are widespread in domestic and wild animals. They are found in edible animals such as poultry, pigs, and cattle, and in domestic animals including cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles such as turtles.

Salmonella it can go through the entire food chain, from animal feed to primary production to households or catering establishments. Salmonellosis in humans is generally transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food of animal origin (mostly eggs, meat, poultry and milk), although other types of food, including green vegetables contaminated with manure, are also associated with the transmission of bacteria.

Transmission from person to person can also be by fecal-oral route. Human cases also happen when people come into contact with infected animals, including pets. These infected animals often show no signs of disease.

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Salmonellosis – treatment

Treatment in severe cases consists of replacing the electrolytes (to supply the electrolytes such as sodium and potassium ions lost through vomiting and diarrhea) and rehydration.

Routine antimicrobial therapy is not recommended for mild or moderate cases in healthy people. This is because antimicrobials may not completely eliminate the bacteria and may select resistant strains, which in turn can lead to drug ineffectiveness.

However, health risk groups such as infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients may require antibacterial treatment. Antimicrobials are also given if the infection has spread from the gut to other parts of the body.

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How can I prevent Salmonella infection?

Preventing salmonella infection is extremely simple. It is enough to take care of hygiene and thoroughly wash all products with which we can become infected with the bacterium. It is very important to wash your hands regularly, after using the toilet, after visiting the hospital, when you go home after a working day, and in many other situations. Washing your hands is very important, because hands accumulate the most bacteria that can be quickly infected with bacteria.

You should always wash purchased eggs, vegetables and fruits. If we eat meat, we should subject it to a thorough heat treatment, i.e. cook, fry and bake as much as a given type of meat requires.

Salmonella – Travel Recommendations

The following recommendations will help you stay safe from becoming infected Salmonella during the trip:

1. make sure the food you eat during the trip is properly cooked and still hot when serving
2. avoid raw milk and products made of raw milk. Drink only pasteurized or boiled milk,
3. avoid ice, unless it’s made of boiled or bottled water
4. when the safety of drinking water is in doubt, it should be boiled,
5. wash your hands thoroughly and often using soap, especially after contact with domestic or farm animals and after using the toilet,
6. wash fruits and vegetables carefully, especially if they are eaten raw. If possible, vegetables and fruits should be peeled.

To prevent Salmonella infection, use EnteroDr prophylactically. in capsules – a supplement containing yeast strains.

Also check:

1. Seven mistakes that can lead to salmonella infection
2. Antibiotic-resistant salmonella is spreading more and more
3. What is the risk of eating sick meat? We checked

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