2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Salmonella typhi organism
Salmonella typhi organism
Digestive system
Digestive system
Digestive system organs
Digestive system organs

Salmonella enterocolitis
Definition:
Salmonella enterocolitis is an infection in the lining of the small intestine caused by the bacteria Salmonella.

Alternative Names:
Salmonellosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Salmonella enterocolitis can range from mild to severe diarrheal illness. The infection is acquired through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Any food can become contaminated during preparation if conditions and equipment for food preparation are unsanitary.

The incubation period is 8 to 48 hours after exposure, and the acute illness lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. The bacteria is shed in the feces for months in some treated patients. A carrier state exists in some people who shed the bacteria for 1 year or more following the initial infection.

The risk factors include:

  • Ingestion of improperly prepared or stored food (especially undercooked turkey or chicken, unrefrigerated turkey dressing, undercooked eggs)
  • Family members with recent salmonella infection
  • Recent family illness with gastroenteritis
  • Institutionalization
  • Recent poultry ingestion
  • Owning a pet iguana, turtles, lizards and snakes (reptiles are carriers of salmonella)
  • Old or young age
  • Patients with impaired immune systems
Approximately 40,000 people develop salmonella infection in the U.S. each year. Two thirds of patients are less than 20 years of age. The highest incidence occurs from July through October.
Symptoms:
Signs and tests:
Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by diarrhea. (Antidiarrheal medications are generally not given because they may prolong the infectious process.)

Self care measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by diarrhea -- these are available without a prescription. Antibiotic therapy may be indicated for those who are severely symptomatic.

People with diarrhea who are unable to take oral (by mouth) fluids due to nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids, especially small children. Fever and aches can be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

People taking diuretics need to be cautious with diarrhea, and may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute episode as directed by the health care provider.

Dietary modifications during diarrhea may be helpful: restrict milk products; and give bananas, rice, apples, and toast (BRAT diet). Infants should continue to breast feed and receive electrolyte replacement solutions as directed by your health care provider.
Expectations (prognosis):
The probable outcome is usually good. Symptoms subside in normal individuals in 2-5 days.
Complications:
A complication is dehydration from diarrhea especially in young children and infants. This may also result in life threatening meningitis and septicemia. Food handlers who develop the carrier state can pass the infection along to the people who eat their food (typhoid Mary).
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if blood is noted in the stools, or if your child shows no improvement after 2-3 days. Also if any of the following occurs:
Prevention:
Proper food handling and storage are preventive measures. Good hand washing is important especially when handling eggs and poultry. If you own a reptile, wear gloves when handling the animal or its feces because Salmonella is easily passed from the animal.
Review Date: 8/3/2001
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com