Alternate Names : Salmonellosis
Definition
Salmonella enterocolitis is an infection in the lining of the small intestine caused by Salmonella bacteria.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Salmonella enterocolitis is one of the most common types of food poisoning. It occurs when you swallow food or water that is contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. Any food can become contaminated if food preparation conditions and equipment are unsanitary.
You are more likely to get this type of infection if you have:
- Eaten improperly prepared or stored food (especially undercooked turkey or chicken, unrefrigerated turkey dressing, undercooked eggs)
- Family members with recent salmonella infection
- Had a recent family illness with gastroenteritis
- Been in an institution
- Eaten chicken recently
- A pet iguana or other lizards, turtles, or snakes (reptiles are carriers of salmonella)
- A weakened immune system
Approximately 40,000 people develop salmonella infection in the United States each year. Most patients are younger than 20. The highest rate occurs from July through October.
Pictures & Images
Salmonella typhi organism
The causative agent of typhoid fever is the bacterium Salmonella typhi. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Digestive system
The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.
Digestive system organs
The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.
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Salmonella enterocolitis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Salmonella enterocolitis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Salmonella enterocolitis : Treatment
Review Date : 11/2/2008
Reviewed By : Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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