Salmonellosis is a gut infection from non-typhoidal Salmonella, usually from undercooked poultry, eggs, produce or contact with reptiles and backyard chickens. Most people recover in under a week with fluids, but infants, older adults and people with weak immune systems can develop bloodstream infection.
Key symptoms
- Diarrhea, sometimes bloody, 6 hours to 6 days after exposure
- Fever and abdominal cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Other people sick after the same meal
What you find on exam
- Hydration status: mucous membranes, heart rate, blood pressure
- Diffuse abdominal tenderness
- Fever
- Signs of spread such as joint or bone pain
Tests
- Stool culture or stool PCR panel
- Blood cultures if high fever, very young or old age, or a weak immune system
- Electrolytes and kidney function if dehydrated
- Report to public health
Treatment basics
- Oral rehydration; IV fluids if severe
- No antibiotics for most healthy people, since they can prolong carriage
- Antibiotics for high-risk or severe cases: azithromycin, ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxone
- Avoid antimotility drugs with fever or bloody stool
- Teach safe food handling and hand washing
Red flags
- Severe dehydration or unable to keep fluids down
- High fever that persists or positive blood cultures
- Infant, older adult or person with a weak immune system
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Sources: NCCPA PANCE Content Blueprint; NBOME COMLEX-USA clinical presentations; CDC, Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. Written by Making Synapses. Making Synapses is not affiliated with these organizations.