From the Guidelines
Salmonella infection typically causes symptoms including diarrhea (which may be bloody), stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and headache, usually beginning 6 hours to 6 days after infection and lasting 4 to 7 days in most people. These symptoms can vary in severity, with some individuals experiencing more severe symptoms that may require hospitalization, particularly young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems 1. The risk for more profound illness increases with the degree of immunosuppression, and relapses in infections with Salmonella and other gram-negative bacterial enteric pathogens after appropriate treatment have been well-documented in HIV-infected patients 1.
Clinical Manifestations
The clinical manifestations of Salmonella infection can be categorized into three major syndromes:
- Self-limited gastroenteritis
- A more severe and prolonged diarrheal disease, associated with fever, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and possible bacteremia
- Septicemia, which can exhibit extra-intestinal involvement with or without concurrent or preceding gastrointestinal illness 1.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is established through cultures of stool and blood, and treatment typically involves rest and adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration, with antibiotics prescribed only for severe cases or high-risk individuals 1. It is essential to note that antibiotics may prolong shedding of non-typhi species of Salmonella and contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance 1.
Prevention
Prevention of Salmonella infection involves avoiding contaminated food or water, particularly undercooked poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products, and practicing good hygiene, such as hand-washing 1. If diarrhea is severe, lasts more than 3 days, or is accompanied by high fever or signs of dehydration, medical attention should be sought promptly.
From the Research
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
The symptoms of salmonella infection can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Joint pain, particularly in the knees and ankles
- Reactive joint symptoms, such as arthralgia or arthritis, which can occur after an outbreak of Salmonella enteritidis 2
- Ocular redness and irritation, compatible with conjunctivitis 2
Extra-Intestinal Manifestations
In some cases, salmonella infection can lead to extra-intestinal manifestations, including:
- Endocarditis, which can be very destructive and has a high fatality rate 3
- Pericarditis, which can present with cardiac or pulmonary symptoms 3
- Vascular infection, particularly in the abdominal aorta, which can be life-threatening 3
- Reactive arthritis/arthralgia (ReA), which can occur after enterocolitis 2
- Disseminated infection, which can occur in high-risk individuals, such as immunocompromised patients, and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality 4
Acute Abdominal Problems
Salmonella infection can also cause acute abdominal problems, including: