Salmonella has become a word that arouses fear in people over time. Although we often think we know enough about it, we are sometimes unaware of the power of hiding pathogenic microorganisms in everyday foods. It is true that we generally underestimate their threat.

Meat, eggs, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables can be potential sources of this insidious bacteria and disinfection is not guarantee that we will protect ourselves.

What exactly is salmonella, how is it transmitted, what symptoms does it cause and how should we treat it if it happens to us?

In the following lines, we will try to clarify all the unknowns and prepare you how to protect yourself.

Salmonella - causes

Salmonella is the name for a group of bacteria that colonize the intestines of mammals, birds and reptiles. This pathogenic bacterium causes infection of the digestive system mainly through contaminated food and water.

It is transmitted to humans via the fecal-oral route, most often by unintentionally swallowing food contaminated with the feces of infected animals.

It is rare that salmonella infection occurs through direct contact. For example, if there is a wound that has touched infected material, infection can occur.

In industrialized countries, 50% of gastrointestinal infections come from Salmonella enteridis and typhymurium, which are called minor or non-typhoidal salmonella. However, salmonellosis can sometimes manifest itself as typhoid fever or paratyphoid. In this case, the causative agent is Salmonella typhi and paratyphi, which affects only humans and can be fatal. It is characteristic of underdeveloped countries where sanitary living conditions are unsafe.

Small salmonellosis is responsible for clinical forms with predominant gastrointestinal manifestations with rapid recovery. The risk of infection arises from:

  • Consumption of meat and animal derivatives
  • Contamination of water and surface
  • Living with pets or contact with infected animals

Salmonella in food - bacteria on the surface of food

The most common causes of salmonella infection:

  • Insufficiently thermally processed food (especially meat and eggs) – Chicken meat and eggs most often carry the risk of salmonella, especially if they are not adequately thermally processed. Try to always prepare these foods at a high enough temperature to destroy potential bacteria. Do not consume these products raw or semi-processed to avoid risk.
  • Contaminated fruits and vegetables - Although not easy, salmonella can also attack fruits and vegetables. Sometimes this happens through irrigation water, and sometimes during transport or inadequate storage.
  • Unpasteurized milk products - Salmonella is often present in unpasteurized milk. If they have not been pasteurized, dairy products may contain bacteria, especially salmonella.
  • Poor hygiene – When working with food, hands must be sterile, as well as work surfaces. Bacteria from raw food can transfer to ready-made meals and thus enter the body. Wash hands properly before contact with food.
  • Infected animals and pets - People who are in contact with infected animals (especially poultry, pigs, cattle, rodents, dogs, cats) are at risk of spreading salmonella through food to themselves and others. Pets such as iguanas, snakes, lizards and turtles carry salmonella 90% of the time. If there are sensitive groups in the house such as children and pregnant women, keeping this type of pet is not recommended.

Salmonella bacteria do not change the obvious characteristics of food. Organoleptic characteristics such as color, taste, smell, consistency remain the same. Foods have the same texture as fresh, uninfected food, so it is very difficult to notice that they are dangerous for consumption.

Salmonella - symptoms

Symptoms of salmonella usually appear 12 - 36 hours after consuming food in which the bacteria was present. In most cases, they are mild. Often people who get an infection think they picked up a stomach virus somewhere. Those with good immunity have no symptoms, while some, especially children and the elderly, can experience quite serious bloodstream infections.

The most common symptoms of the gastrointestinal system are:

  • Diarrhea

    • With these symptoms, the body tries to get rid of the bacteria and expel it from its system.

    The accompanying symptoms that often occur are:

    • Fever
    • Headache
    • Pains in the joints
    • Green stool with the presence of mucus and small traces of blood

    Salmonella usually clears within 5 to 7 days and often does not require treatment unless the affected person becomes severely dehydrated or the infection spreads from the gut to other organs. Hospitalization may then be required.

    Even with mild infections, diarrhea can last up to 10 days, and sometimes several months can pass until normal stools are established and the intestines return to normal function.

    How is salmonella transmitted from person to person?

    Transmission of salmonella from person to person is not that common, but it can happen.

    These are the ways how:

    • Fecal-oral transmission - Salmonella can be transmitted through the fecal-oral route, that is, by contact with the feces of an infected person. This happens if you don't wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper.
    • Food Contamination - Food that is touched by infected persons, who have not properly sterilized their hands, can be contaminated.
    • Direct contact - Physical contact from person to person, especially in a close environment, such as family and kindergarten, can spread the infection.
    • Contaminated surfaces – Bacteria can be harbored on work surfaces or objects such as kitchen utensils, doorknobs, toys. If an infected surface is touched and hands are brought to the mouth, salmonella develops in susceptible people.

    Adequate hygiene, which includes thorough hand washing, good food hygiene and surface disinfection, it is the most important for preventing the spread of salmonella in humans.

    Disinfection of work surfaces to prevent the spread of salmonella

    Diagnosis of salmonellosis is established by coproculture (stool examination).

    Salmonella - treatment

    For an uncomplicated salmonella infection, treatment is limited to symptom management. The advice in these cases is not to stop the diarrhea at all costs, because it is a natural defense mechanism that the body uses to expel germs. It is important in those moments to replace the liquid and mineral salts that the body throws out.

    To recover from bacteria, the patient needs:

    • Rehydration – Hydration is necessary to restore fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea as well as electrolytes. On the recommendation of a doctor or pharmacist, it is necessary to include rehydration with electrolytes.

    Probiotics against diarrhea caused by salmonella

    • Diet - During recovery, it is not recommended to eat too much or consume heavy food. Focus on light foods like rice, bananas, soups from a bag (because they contain electrolytes), toast, mashed potatoes. Avoid fatty, spicy food until the symptoms have completely stopped.
    • Medicines - Mild forms of salmonella infection do not require the introduction of antibiotics. The infection usually resolves on its own. In more severe cases, it will be necessary to introduce an antibiotic to avoid complications.
    • Probiotics – Probiotics are very useful because they prevent the further growth of harmful bacteria while restoring the intestinal microflora.
    • Rest - Every infection, including salmonellosis, requires adequate rest in order for the body to recover as well as possible.
    • Symptom monitoring - Monitor the course of the disease and react if symptoms do not improve. If they last longer than a few days, a medical consultation is required. Dehydration or other complications can sometimes occur in people with weaker immunity and in children. Monitor symptoms to avoid hospitalization.

    If you notice symptoms in small children, babies or pregnant women, immediately ob