Introduction
This infection can cause fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, aches, and headaches.
Hosts
Animals and Humans; Household pets can contain the bacteria. Eggs and poultry can also be contaminated. Most healthy adults can be protected from the bacteria without getting an infection, however, immunosuppressed individuals, the elderly, and children are more likely to get infected
Transmission / Exposure Route
It is a zoonotic disease, so the bacteria is transmitted from animals to humans. It begins when a person ingests contaminated food. It moves to the intestines, then possibly in the liver or spleen. In healthy individuals, the bacteria usually leave the body through feces, as to not cause many health problems.
Case Fatality Ratio
In the United States, S. enterica is responsible for 1.4 million infections, 15,000 hospitalizations, and 400 deaths per year.
Incubation Period
Most Salmonella bacteria have an incubation period of 4 to 7 days.
Microbiology
A Gram negative, nonmotile, rod shaped bacteria. It is approximately 2-5 microns long.
Enviromental Survival
It grows in a facultative anaerobic environment, so it can survive in a dry environment for weeks and many months in water.
