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Where Is Salmonella Found ?

The first strain of salmonella was discovered by Daniel Salmon in the year 1885. The strain was named after him, Salmonella choleraesuis. Since then, more than 2,500 strains of the bacteria have been discovered. (See Reference 1) Salmonella bacteria are found in animals that provide food for humans, like poultry and pigs. Even ruminants are known to be carriers of salmonella bacteria.

The bacteria live in the intestinal tract of animals, birds, reptiles and some humans. The bacteria can also thrive in foods that come from animals, like meats, poultry and eggs, and on fruits and vegetables. However, the bacteria tend to favor the intestinal tract of animals. (See Reference 1) The animal feces contain the bacteria.When the feces come in contact with water and/or food items, it contaminates them with the bacteria. (See Reference 1) Eating or drinking these contaminated items can cause salmonella infection. However, the infection can also be contracted from the environment or touching pets. Even human to human transmission is possible through the fecal-oral route.

Millions of people end up with salmonella every year. (See Reference 1) However, getting an exact number of cases is a little difficult as those who get a mild infection never report it as they assume they are suffering from stomach flu. (See Reference 1)

In the year 2007, around 152,000 cases of salmonella infected were reported in the EU. But the number of cases is gradually reducing in the EU. Nonetheless, most of the cases of infection occur due to consumption of eggs and egg products. Even consuming contaminated meat, beef and lamb causes the infection. Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium are the 2 strains of the bacteria that cause the infection in people in the EU. (See Reference 1)

In the US, every year, around 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported. As per the CDC, around 1.4 million cases of infection occur each year, but the milder ones are either not reported or remain undiagnosed. The CDC reckons that the actual number of salmonella cases in the US may be closer to 2 to 4 million. (See Reference 1)

While a salmonella infection generally resolves on its own without use of medication, in the last 20 years a resistant strain of the bacteria has emerged. This strain causes severe infection and does not respond to antibiotics. It is believed that the antibiotic-resistant strain has developed due to increased use of anti-microbials in animals and humans. (See Reference 1) A regular salmonella infection takes around five to seven days to disappear. (See Reference 2)

The symptoms of salmonella develop within a few hours (12 to 72 hours) of consuming the infected food or water. The symptoms include cramps in the abdomen, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. If the infection is severe, it could result in death. This is especially true for infants, seniors and people with compromised immune systems. (See Reference 2) Unfortunately, the symptoms of salmonella infection are very similar to several other health conditions. Just by examining a sample of the stool can give a confirmed diagnosis of the infection.

Usually, antibiotics are not used to treat the infection, but over-the-counter medications can be used to help with some of the symptoms of salmonella. The fever and headache can be alleviated with the help of acetaminophen. Though anti-diarrheals help with the stomach cramps, they can prolong the bouts of diarrhea. Hence, they are not recommended. Also, there is controversy over the usage of antibiotics for treating the infection. Some doctors reckon the antibiotics can make the person a carrier for a longer duration of time, and also the drugs can cause a relapse in some people. Just ensuring that the person stays hydrated to prevent dehydration and replenish the lost electrolytes is the most commonly recommended supportive treatment for salmonella infection.

More Articles :

• Salmonella Treatments
• Salmonella Symptoms
• Causes Of Salmonella
• Is Salmonella Contagious ?
• Cooking Temperature To Kill Salmonella
• How Do Eggs Get Salmonella ?
• How Do You Get Rid Of Salmonella ?
• Is There Live Salmonella Vaccines ?
• Virulence Factors Of Salmonella
• What Is Salmonella ?
• Etiology Of Salmonella

 

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