considered as Salmonella bacteria (in English: salmonella) is one of the main causes of diarrhea around the world. Salmonella has many types, which can cause many diseases such as gastroenteritis and typhoid fever.

Salmonella bacteria

It is a type of bacteria that causes diarrheal disease. It is more common in the summer than in the winter. The disease caused by these bacteria is called salmonellosis. There are less than 100 strains of salmonella bacteria that may lead to infection in people. Which may come with mild symptoms that can be cured without treatment. However, some of them may need medical attention.

Salmonella symptoms

Symptoms of salmonella infection usually appear between 6 hours and 6 days after infection. Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the infection. The infection may last for 4 to 7 days. Symptoms of salmonella infection include:

In the case of joint pain, it may last for a few months or years. It can go from reactive arthritis (or Reiter’s syndrome), whose symptoms are usually joint pain, eye irritation, and pain when urinating, to chronic arthritis.

But If salmonella bacteria enter the bloodstream It may affect tissues in various parts of the body, such as:

The most susceptible people

The people most likely to be infected are:

• Children under the age of five
• Elderly
• People with weak immunity
• pregnant ladies

Note that if infected by a pregnant woman, this may harm the mother and the fetus, and in about 4% of salmonella infections during pregnancy, the bacteria may spread in the bloodstream, causing sepsis inside the uterus, which may threaten life.

Causes of salmonella infection

Infections usually appear after eating or drinking contaminated food. Among the most prominent causes of salmonella infection are:

1. Raw eggs

Raw eggs may contain salmonella bacteria, but cooking eggs can reduce these risks. However, there are some types of sauces that contain raw eggs, such as mayonnaise.

2. Contaminated vegetables and fruits

Growing vegetables and fruits with contaminated water or when washing them with contaminated water may lead to infection with salmonella bacteria.

3. Raw meat and unpasteurized milk

Eating raw and undercooked meat, such as meat, and poultry of all kinds. Or eat unpasteurized milk and its products such as ice cream, cheese, and yogurt. It may increase the possibility of salmonella infection if it is not well prepared.

4. Low level of hygiene

Infection may result from not maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen, the tools used, and not washing hands before and during food preparation, and after using the bathroom and changing children’s diapers.

When bacteria are present on a person’s hands or on frequently used surfaces. It can be transmitted to other people through contact.

5. Reptiles and amphibian pets

Where most reptiles and amphibians such as turtles, chicks, cats, and dogs carry salmonella bacteria in their guts, without showing symptoms of infection. However, the bacteria may come out with the droppings, which can then spread to the skin of animals, and anything you come into contact with, such as clothes, toys, household surfaces, and furniture.

Therefore, it is not recommended to keep reptiles indoors in the presence of pregnant women, children under the age of five, or the elderly. This is because they are more susceptible to infection due to a possible weakened immune system. The animals and the house must also be kept clean on an ongoing basis.

6. Weakened immunity

Certain medical conditions and taking certain medications may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection with salmonella, such as AIDS, malaria, sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), corticosteroids, and anti-rejection drugs, which may be used after organ transplantation. .

Diagnosis of salmonella infection

The doctor will ask a series of questions, such as:

1. Symptoms that appeared on the infected person.
2. Dealing with pets.
3. Changing food preparation habits.
4. Recent travel to places with poor hygiene levels.
5. Order blood and stool tests.

Salmonella treatment

Salmonella infection treatment is prescribed according to the severity of the disease. However, ways to treat salmonellosis may include the following:

• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Take anti-motion medicines to stop diarrhea and reduce cramping.
• Take antibiotics in case of severe symptoms. However, excessive use may lead to killing the good bacteria in the body, and antibiotic resistance. This can make it difficult to fight infection and increase the possibility of reinfection.

Salmonella prevention tips

1. Wash hands with soap and water

Especially before and while preparing and eating food, after using the toilet, after contact with animals, and after changing diapers. So I make washing and sanitizing hands a habit.

2. Preserving foods

By separating cooked and raw foods, washing raw vegetables and fruits before using and eating them, properly cooking foods, especially meat and eggs, maintaining the health of utensils and kitchen surfaces, and not using contaminated water.

3. Ensure that the eggs are safe

By staying away from cracked and dirty eggs, storing them at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and cooking the eggs until the yolk holds together.

4. Prevent the spread of infection

If someone has a salmonella infection, wash clothes, bedding, and towels in the washing machine on the highest setting, and clean sinks, toilet seats, and bathroom handles with detergent, disinfectants, and hot water regularly.

When should you visit the doctor?

You should see a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

• Diarrhea, vomiting, or both persist for at least two days
• Symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, and sunken eyes
• Fever (39°C or higher)
• The appearance of blood in the stool

in the case of children, You should see a doctor when the following symptoms appear:

• Diarrhea or vomiting persisting for more than a day
• The appearance of signs of dehydration
• blood in the stool
• Fever (39°C or higher)

Now, if you need medical advice in any of the specialties, you can contact an accredited doctor through this link.