Causes and risk factors
Salmonella bacteria resides in humans, animals and birds, infection is caused by consuming food which is contaminated by faeces containing salmonella. Common foods are raw meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables. The other routes of infection include eating uncooked, uncovered food that contains the bacteria. The people having unhygienic living conditions, those in close contact with infected people or animals, pets, especially their stools develop the infection. Parents of the infected children, child care workers, and animal handlers are at risk of getting the infection. Backpackers, hiker, international travellers, campers who consume contaminated food develop the infection. People with reduced immunity are at risk of acquiring the infection. Stomach disorders like inflammatory bowel disease is a predisposing factor for salmonella infection. Use of antacids, antibiotics restricts the action of acid present in stomach which usually kills salmonella.
Clinical presentation
The patient presents with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, blood in the stools. There is dehydration and loss of appetite. Patient has fever with chills, headache. Symptoms last for about 4 to 7 days.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood tests, stool examination, stool culture is recommended to isolate the bacteria.
Treatment
No treatment is required for asymptomatic patients. Treatment depends on the immune system. If one has weakened immune system, treatment is essential to improve your immunity and relieve the symptoms. Medicines such as antibiotic drugs, anti motility drugs are prescribed. Supportive care such as fluid replacement therapy by intravenous saline infusion is given to correct dehydration. Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene and use of cooked and healthy food will help in prevention of disease.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating salmonella infection. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating salmonella infection.
