Salmonella (Salmonellosis) |
Overview Salmonella or salmonellosis is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. Many types of this bacteria cause disease in animals and people. While the occurrence of different types of Salmonella varies from country to country Salmonella typhimurium and S. enteritidis are the two most commonly found in North America. An antibiotic-resistant strain of S. typhimurium called Definitive Type 104 (DT104) was first found in the United Kingdom and then in the United States. It is the second most common strain (after S. enteritidis) of Salmonella found in humans. This strain poses a major threat because it is resistant to several antibiotics normally used to treat people with Salmonella infections. Salmonellosis may occur in small contained outbreaks in the general population or in large outbreaks in hospitals restaurants or institutions for children or the elderly. While the disease is found worldwide health experts most often report cases in North America and Europe. About 45000 cases are reported in North America every year. However the real number is thought to be closer to 1.5 million. As many as 1100 people die each year with salmonellosis. Symptoms The following symptoms usually begin from 12 hours to 3 days after you are infected:
These symptoms along with possible nausea loss of appetite and vomiting usually last for 4 to 7 days. Diarrhea can be severe and require hospitalization. Symptoms are most severe in the elderly infants and people with chronic conditions. People with AIDS are particularly vulnerable to salmonellosis; often suffering from recurring episodes. Causes Salmonella bacteria can be found in food products such as raw poultry eggs and beef and sometimes on unwashed fruit. Food prepared on surfaces that previously were in contact with raw meat or meat products can in turn become contaminated with the bacteria. This is called cross-contamination. Salmonella infection frequently occurs after handling pets particularly reptiles like snakes turtles and lizards. Salmonellosis can become a chronic infection in some people who may not have symptoms. Though they may have no symptoms they can spread the disease by not washing their hands before preparing food for others. In fact health care experts recommend that people who know they have salmonellosis not prepare food or pour water for others until a laboratory tests show they no longer carry Salmonella bacteria. Treatment If you are like most people infected with Salmonella your infection will clear up within 5 to 7 days and you won't need to be treated. If you have severe diarrhea however you may need intravenous fluids. If the infection spreads from the intestines into the bloodstream your doctor can treat it with antibiotics. While most people recover successfully from salmonellosis a few may develop a chronic condition called Reiter's syndrome. This can last for months or years and can lead to arthritis. Its symptoms are:
Unless treated properly Salmonella can escape from the intestine and spread by blood to other organs sometimes leading to death. Prevention
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