What Infections Can Be Caused by Salmonella Poisoning?

Salmonella is the common name used for a large group of related bacteria that can invade the intestinal tract. Infection with salmonella can cause the diseases gastroenteritis, salmonellosis and typhoid fever.

The Facts

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are more than 2,000 different types of salmonella bacteria. Out of this large number, roughly one dozen species trigger human illness.

Gastroenteritis and Salmonellosis

• The Mayo Clinic cites gastroenteritis as the main salmonella-related illness, with symptoms including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, chills, muscle aches and bloody stool. Most infections come from consumption of undercooked or raw eggs, egg products, poultry and meat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention refer to gastroenteritis symptoms as salmonellosis.

Typhoid Fever

• Salmonella infection may also trigger a bout of typhoid fever, a potentially life-threatening illness with symptoms including fever in excess of 102 Fahrenheit, constipation or diarrhea, coughing, mental confusion, liver and spleen enlargement and slow heartbeat.

Reiter's Disease

• In the aftermath of a salmonella infection, some individuals may develop a condition called Reiter's disease, or reactive arthritis. Symptoms include joint pain, eye irritation and painful urination.

Complications

• Potential complications of salmonella poisoning include dehydration from severe diarrhea and a life-threatening infection of the bloodstream and organs such as the spinal cord, brain or heart.