Salmonella Infection (Intestinal Blood Infection)

Description

Salmonella infections are very common, and may cause up to one-third of all the cases of diarrhea produced by contaminated food. The most commonly infected foods are: meats, chicken, milk, unpasteurized cheese, eggs and cocoa beans. The disease most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract and resolves without treatment. Rarely the infection can be serious getting into the blood stream (Typhoid) requiring aggressive treatment.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, muscle pain.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Cultures of the stool and/or blood can establish the diagnosis. Other tests may be done to define the extent of disease.

Treatment

Salmonella gastroenteritis treatment is controversial and many doctors will not prescribe antibiotics. All immunocompromised patients should receive antibiotics, as well as those thought to have the bacteria in their blood stream (Typhoid). Intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement will be given as well for significant dehydration.

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