Introduction to Salmonella

By: Polestico, Larry Jr R.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can

cause food poisoning in humans. These
pathogenic bacteria are commonly found in raw
or undercooked eggs, poultry, and meat.
Infections can lead to symptoms such as
diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

• Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella

Infections Linked to Eggs (2018)
• Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pre-
Cut Melons (2018)
• Salmonella Outbreak Associated with
Peanut Butter (2008-2009)
What is Salmonella?
Bacterial Pathogen
Salmonella is a group of bacteria
that can cause food poisoning
and gastrointestinal illness.
Multiple Strains
There are different strains of
Salmonella, with some being
more virulent than others.

Common Contamination
It can be found in undercooked or contaminated food,
particularly poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Types of Salmonella bacteria
• Salmonella enterica: Commonly associated with food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness.
• Salmonella typhi: Causes typhoid fever, a severe and potentially life-threatening illness.
• Salmonella paratyphi: Similar to Salmonella typhi, causing a less severe form of typhoid fever.
• It's a gram-negative, rod-shaped (bacilli) bacterium belonging to the family
Enterobacteriaceae.

• Biochemical Tests:
 Sulfide Indole Motility (SIM) test
 Lysine Iron Agar (LIA)
Characteristics:
Virulence Factors:
 Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS)
 Type III Secretion System (T3SS)
 Adhesins

 Mechanisms of pathogenicity includes Inflammatory

Response, Intracellular Survival, and Invasion.

Antibiotic Resistance and Other Notable Features:

 Resistance to fluoroquinolones
 Third-generation cephalosporins
 Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)
Transmission of Salmonella
1 Contaminated Food and Water
Salmonella is commonly transmitted through the consumption
of contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked poultry,
eggs, and dairy products, as well as through contaminated water
sources.

2 Animal-to-Human Transmission
Direct contact with infected animals or their environment,
including pet reptiles and amphibians, can also lead to the
transmission of Salmonella to humans.

3 Person-to-Person Transmission
In some cases, Salmonella can be transmitted from one person
to another through contact with infected feces, particularly in
settings with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Symptoms and Health Risks
Salmonella infection can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea,
fever, and abdominal cramps.
In severe cases, the bacteria can spread from the intestines to
the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening conditions such
as bloodstream infections.
Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened
immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness from
salmonella infection.
Prevention and Control Measures

Hand Hygiene Cleanliness Vaccination Food Safety Practices

Regular hand- Maintaining clean Ensuring proper Following strict
washing with soap and sanitized vaccination of food safety
and water to surfaces to avoid livestock to protocols in
prevent bacterial spread. reduce production and
contamination. transmission. preparation.
Current Situation
• Last year 2023, according to
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention that there are
reported outbreaks in concern
with Dry Dog Food, Small
Turtles, and Backyard Poultry
which causes Salmonella
infections.

• Recently, January 5, 2024, there

is investigation that is being
conducted about Salmonella
outbreak linked to Charcuterie
Meat.
Conclusion and key takeaways

Preventive Measures Public Awareness Healthcare Response

Proper hygiene and Education about safe Early diagnosis and

food safety practices food handling and appropriate medical
can help prevent cooking practices is treatment are
Salmonella infection. crucial to reduce the essential for
risk of Salmonella managing Salmonella
outbreaks. infections.