Salmonella Infection

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is a salmonella infection? Salmonella (sal-mo-NEL-ah) infection, also called salmonellosis, is an infection that affects the lining of the small intestine (bowel). Salmonellosis is a common gastrointestinal (digestive) infection caused by a bacteria (germ) called Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria enter the small intestine and inflame (swell) its lining causing diarrhea (loose bowel movements). The small intestine is a part of the digestive system where food is broken down. It is the tube that runs from the stomach to the colon (large intestine). Salmonella infection usually lasts for 4 to 7 days and gets better even without treatment.

How does a salmonella infection spread? Salmonella bacteria live in the intestine of infected humans or animals. Millions of germs can be released in a bowel movement (BM) from an infected human or animal. Infected animals may include chickens, pigs, cattle, and pets, such as turtles, iguanas, dogs, and cats. Salmonella is found in soil, food, water, or on surfaces that have BM from infected humans or animals on it. You can become infected by drinking water or eating food that is contaminated (dirty). Contaminated foods usually include eggs, milk, cheese, salad dressings, or meat, such as hamburgers. Salmonella infection may also spread by not washing your hands after a bowel movement or after changing a baby’s diaper. The germs are then passed to another person by simply touching the other person’s hand.

What increases the risk of getting a salmonella infection? The following conditions may put you at a higher risk of getting a salmonella infection:

• Age: Old people and very young children are more likely to get a salmonella infection.
  
  
• Antibiotics use: Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria, including the good ones. Taking them often may upset the balance between the good and bad bacteria in the small intestine and colon.
  
  
• Previous surgeries: Having surgeries, such as an organ transplant or removal of spleen, in the past may also increase your risk.
  
  
• Weak immune system: The immune (body defense) system is the part of your body that fights infection. Chemotherapy and other medicines, such as steroids, decrease your immune system. Those who have sickle cell anemia, liver problems, cancer, malaria, or AIDS may also have a weak immune system.

What are the signs and symptoms of a salmonella infection? Signs and symptoms of a salmonella infection usually appear 12 to 72 hours after the germs get into your body. You may have any of the following:

• Crampy pain in the abdomen (stomach).
  
  
• Diarrhea (loose bowel movement) that may be bloody.
  
  
• Fever or headache.
  
  
• Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Weight loss or dehydration (losing too much fluid).

What problems can a salmonella infection cause? Further problems may occur when the salmonella bacteria also infects the blood and other organs. An untreated salmonella infection may cause one or more of the following:

• Arthritis (joint swelling).
  
  
• Cholangitis (infection of the gall bladder and bile ducts).
  
  
• Heart or kidney diseases.
  
  
• Meningitis (swelling of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord).
  
  
• Osteomyelitis (bone tissue infection).
  
  
• Pneumonia (lung infection).

How is a salmonella infection diagnosed? A sample of your blood or stool is sent to a lab for testing. A rapid stool test may be done where the results may be known in just a few minutes. Your caregiver may also do a stool or blood culture. These tests may show the germ that is causing your salmonella infection. Your caregiver may ask you to give more than one stool or blood sample over several days.

How is a salmonella infection treated? The treatment for salmonella aims to replace lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Anti-diarrheal medicines are not advised because they may make the infection last longer. You may have any of the following:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Oral rehydrating solutions: Caregivers may give you an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to drink. An ORS has the right amounts of water, salts, and sugar your body needs to replace body fluids. This may help prevent dehydration.
  
  
• Intravenous therapy: If you are dehydrated, you may need to stay in the hospital to receive intravenous (IV) fluids. IV fluids are solutions that contain water, mineral salts, sugars, and proteins. These are given through a tube placed in a vein.

How can a salmonella infection be prevented? The following are ways to prevent the spread of a salmonella infection:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash after using the toilet, after handling animals, and before preparing or serving food. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may be used to clean your hands when there is no water available.
  
  
• Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils.
  
  
• Cook food, especially chicken, meat, and eggs, thoroughly. All surfaces and utensils that have come into contact with raw chicken must be carefully cleaned. This may prevent salmonella from contaminating other foods.
  
  
• Discard used diapers properly.
  
  
• Do not eat raw food or food that has not been washed thoroughly. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water and peel them before eating.

Where can I find more information? Contact the following for more information about salmonella infection:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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