Salmonella Infection – SP Medifort Hospital

Salmonella Infection Treatment

Salmonella Infection Treatment In Trivandrum

Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis, is a common bacterial illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella. These bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals and are shed in feces (stool). When they contaminate food or water, they can infect people who consume them. Salmonella infection, also known as salmonellosis, is a common bacterial illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella. These bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals and are shed in feces (stool). When they contaminate food or water, they can infect people who consume them.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Salmonella Infection?

Symptoms usually begin 6–72 hours after exposure and may include:

Diarrhea (Sometimes With Blood).
Abdominal Cramps.
Fever.
Nausea And Vomiting.
Headache And Chills.

What causes Salmonella Infection?

People most often get Salmonella infections from the following sources:

Raw or undercooked eggs: Eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria either on the shell or inside the egg. Eating foods made with raw or lightly cooked eggs, such as homemade mayonnaise, cookie dough, or soft-boiled eggs, can increase the risk of infection.
Undercooked chicken or meat: Raw poultry and meat commonly carry Salmonella bacteria. If these foods are not cooked to a high enough temperature, the bacteria may survive and cause illness when eaten.
Unpasteurized milk or juice: Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria. Drinking milk or fruit juice that has not been pasteurized can allow Salmonella bacteria to enter the body and cause infection.
Unwashed fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated during growing, harvesting, or transportation through contact with contaminated soil, water, or animal waste. Eating them without proper washing can lead to infection.
Contact with some animals (such as reptiles or chicks): Animals like turtles, snakes, lizards, chicks, and ducklings often carry Salmonella bacteria without appearing sick. Touching these animals or their living areas and then touching the mouth or food without washing hands can spread the bacteria.

Diagnosis of Salmonella Infection

Doctors diagnose Salmonella infection mainly through medical history, symptoms, and laboratory tests.

Medical History and Symptoms: The doctor first asks about symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. They may also ask about recent food intake (like undercooked eggs or chicken), travel, or contact with animals.
Stool Test (most common test): A stool sample is analyzed in a laboratory to detect the presence of Salmonella bacteria. This is the most reliable method for confirming the infection.
Blood Tests (in severe cases): If the infection is severe or suspected to have spread beyond the intestines, a blood test may be done to see if the bacteria have entered the bloodstream.
Other Tests (if needed): In rare cases, urine or other body fluid tests may be done, especially for people with weak immune systems.
Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing: If Salmonella is found, the lab may test which antibiotics work best. This helps doctors choose the right treatment if antibiotics are needed.

What are the Salmonella infection risk factors?

Certain people and situations increase the risk of getting a Salmonella infection or developing a more serious illness:

Eating Contaminated Food: Consuming raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, meat, unpasteurized milk or juice, and unwashed fruits or vegetables increases the risk.
Poor Hygiene: Not washing hands properly after using the toilet, handling raw food, or touching animals can allow the bacteria to spread easily.
Contact with Animals: Handling reptiles (snakes, turtles, lizards), chicks, ducklings, or farm animals increases the risk, as these animals often carry Salmonella without showing symptoms.
Weak Immune System: People with weakened immunity (such as young children, older adults, or those with chronic illnesses) are at higher risk of severe infection.
Travel to Areas With Poor Sanitation: Traveling to regions with unsafe water or poor food hygiene increases exposure to Salmonella bacteria.
Crowded or Group Settings: Living in or visiting places like schools, hostels, daycare centers, or nursing homes increases the chance of spread.
Use of Certain Medications: Medications that reduce stomach acid can make it easier for Salmonella bacteria to survive in the digestive system.

What treatment options are available for Salmonella infection?

Treatment focuses on symptom relief and preventing dehydration:

Treating Dehydration: Treating dehydration is an important part of managing Salmonella infection. Mild to moderate dehydration can usually be treated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, and electrolyte drinks, which help replace lost fluids and essential minerals. However, if dehydration becomes severe and the person is unable to drink enough fluids, hospital care may be required, where fluids are given directly into a vein through intravenous (IV) therapy to restore hydration and electrolyte balance.

Antibiotics: Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria, but they are usually not needed for healthy people with Salmonella infection, as the body can often fight off the bacteria on its own. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can prolong the time a person carries the bacteria and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. They are prescribed only in selected cases, such as severe infections, when the bacteria spread to the bloodstream, or for young children, elderly individuals, or people with weakened immune systems.

Anti-Diarrheal Medicines: Anti-diarrheal medicines, such as loperamide (Imodium), can help relieve diarrhea and stomach cramps, making the person more comfortable. However, they do not kill the bacteria, and by slowing bowel movements, they may keep the bacteria in the intestines longer, potentially prolonging the infection. For this reason, doctors use them only in certain cases. Typically, for adults with mild symptoms, and avoid them in children or severe infections.