Name of disease: Salmonellosis

Causative Agent: Salmonella bacteria

Diagnosis:
•Clinical: Clinical diagnosis of the salmonelloses is often difficult because the symptoms closely
resemble other diarrheal diseases. Isolation of the organism is required for positive
identification.
•Laboratory: Salmonella can be readily isolated and characterized using standard bacteriologic
media or rapid identification systems. Salmonellae are motile, incapable of fermenting
lactose and produce H2S. Serological techniques may be used for epidemiological
characterization.
Mode of Transmission: Indirect transmission via contaminated food and water are the most
common sources but transmission may also be by direct contact. It is a common contaminant of
sewage.
Incubation Period: Humans:12-72 hours & Animals:1-5 days.
Treatment: The antimicrobials most widely regarded as optimal for the treatment of salmonellosis
in adults is the group of fluoroquinolones. They are relatively inexpensive, well tolerated, have
good oral absorption and are more rapidly and reliably effective than earlier drugs. Third-
generation cephalosporins (which need to be given by injection) are widely used in children with
serious infections, as quinolones are not generally recommended for this age group. The earlier
drugs chloramphenicol, ampicillin and amoxicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole are
occasionally used as alternatives.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salmonellosis
http://www.about-salmonella.com/salmonella_diagnosis
http://www.cehs.siu.edu/fix/medmicro/salmo.htm
http://www.phsource.us/PH/ZD/BD/Salmonellosis.htm
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs139/en/