Salmonella Identification

Salmonella is one of several types of bacteria, the most common of which include salmonella Typhimurium and salmonella Enteritidis. It causes a bacterial infection known as salmonellosis via contact with feces or food contaminated with feces.

Infection

• Salmonella infection symptoms usually manifest from 12 to 72 hours after exposure.

Symptoms

• Signs of salmonella infection generally include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain and fever.

Diagnosis

• Most salmonella cases are not identified, as symptoms don't often trigger a doctor's visit. Diagnosis requires testing a stool sample for the presence of the bacteria.

Treatment

• Salmonellosis must simply run its course, which takes up to a week. Fluids should be consumed regularly to avoid dehydration.

Prevalence

• Salmonella bacteria were first identified as a cause of illness over a century ago. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 40,000 cases are reported annually in the United States, but estimates put the number of infections up to 30 times higher.