A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

SALMONELLA ENTERITIS

What is Salmonella Enteritis ?

Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning occurring worldwide. The number of people infected with salmonella has increased over the last few years. However, the real number of infections is much higher! There are over 2000 types of salmonella. These can be found, for example, in raw meat, poultry, untreated milk and egg. Recently, infected eggs have been shown to be the cause of many cases of food poisoning. Contamination may occur during food preparation by allowing raw meat to come into contact with cooked food. Poor kitchen hygiene and food not cooked properly may lead to possible salmonella infection. The illness caused by most types is the same. Symptoms occur usually 12 to 48 hours after eating food contaminated with salmonella. These include feeling sick, abdominal pain and frequent watery stools. Fever may be present. This may last for up to a week and then the person gets better. A stool sample sent to the laboratory may confirm the diagnosis. In certain people, especially the elderly, very young and those with poor body defences against infection, the illness may be severe. The salmonella may get to the blood and spread to the bones, for example.

How does Salmonella Enteritis occur ?

Usually a large number of bacteria must be swallowed to cause disease in healthy people. The bacteria reach the gut where they multiply and cause inflammation leading to diarrhoea.

Why does Salmonella Enteritis occur ?

Not everyone who eats food contaminated with salmonella becomes ill. This may depend on how heavily the food was contaminated, and how healthy the person is. The very young, the elderly and people with poor immunity to infection (because of other illnesses like leukaemia or who are taking certain drugs used for cancer treatment) are more likely to become severely ill. Also the absence of acidity in the stomach, the use of antacids or a previous stomach operation make it more likely for infection to occur. This is because natural acidity of the stomach helps to check the growth of salmonella bacteria.

Treatment involved for Salmonella Enteritis

In most cases no treatment is necessary. Drink plenty of fluids to replace what is lost with the diarrhoea. Treatment with antibiotics is only needed in severe cases. Anti-diarrhoeal tablets are sometimes recommended. However, it is possible that by using these drugs, the salmonella germ is prevented from being flushed out , thereby prolonging the infection. Some elderly patients and those who become seriously dehydrated may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment.

During treatment for Salmonella Enteritis

The symptoms usually settle within one week. The very young and the elderly are more liable to be more severely affected by dehydration.

After Treatment

You may still have the salmonella in the gut after your symptoms get better. This so-called carrier state usually lasts for a few weeks, longer in children than adults. During this time you may infect others if your personal hygiene is poor. Stool samples sent to the laboratory can show if you are still carrying the salmonella in your gut.

If Salmonella Enteritis is left untreated

The infection would subside and you would recover fully, providing that there were no complications.

Effects on family of Salmonella Enteritis

You may continue to pass the salmonella germ in the stools after you recover from the illness. This may be passed on to the very people who are looking after you. Every care should be taken to avoid this happening by washing your hands carefully after visits to the toilet. Ideally you should not touch any food destined to be consumed by others.