Description
Salmonella infections are very common, and may cause up to one-third of all the cases of diarrhea produced by contaminated food. The most commonly infected foods are: meats, chicken, milk, unpasteurized cheese, eggs and cocoa beans. The disease most commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract and resolves without treatment. Some strains of salmonella can cause the condition "typhoid" which causes bloodstream infection, abdominal pain, fever and a rash.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, abdominal cramping, abdominal tenderness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, muscle pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Cultures of the stool and/or blood can establish the diagnosis. Other tests may be done to define the extent of disease.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Stool cultures
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Cultures of the stool and/or blood can establish the diagnosis. Other tests may be done to define the extent of disease.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Stool cultures
Specialists:
Gastroenterology, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Salmonella infections other than typhoid usually cause symptoms for a week or less even without antibiotic treatment. Otherwise healthy people who get salmonella do not need antibiotics. All immunocompromised patients should receive antibiotics, as well as those who have typhoid. Intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement will be given as well for significant dehydration.