• Contaminated tomatoes may cause salmonella infection.tomato #2 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
  
  Salmonella is a bacterial disease that is commonly contracted through the consumption of water or food contaminated with it. For example, improperly washed tomatoes may carry salmonella. The symptoms and possible complications of salmonella infection can vary from person to person. They may be worsened in people with certain pre-existing medical conditions. For example, pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people with compromised immune systems may be particularly susceptible to developing complications from salmonella. Patients at a higher risk, as well as those who experience severe symptoms, should seek medical care as soon as possible.
  
  

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are over 2,000 different types of salmonella bacteria. Roughly a dozen of these types cause humans to become sick. The exact symptoms and possible complications of the illness will vary, however, salmonella often results in severe diarrhea. Other signs of gastrointestinal distress include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting and blood in a person's stool. Salmonella may cause additional symptoms, such as a fever, chills, muscle pains and a headache. According to the U.S. Department. of Agriculture, these symptoms may develop between eight and 72 hours following the consumption of contaminated food. With more mild cases, patients may not need to seek medical treatment. Symptoms may dissipate in about four to seven days.
  
  

Typhoid Fever

• The Mayo Clinic notes that in some cases, salmonella may result in other complications. For example, typhoid fever may develop within five to 21 days of infection. The symptoms of typhoid fever may include coughing, constipation, diarrhea, fever, mental confusion and an enlarged spleen or liver. In addition, typhoid fever may cause raised, reddish spots on the patient's upper chest. Patients who exhibit possible signs of typhoid fever should see a doctor as soon as possible.
  
  

Reiter's Syndrome

• In addition to typhoid fever, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture notes that patients may occasionally develop Reiter's syndrome from a salmonella infection. Reiter's syndrome is a chronic condition that may last for years. The symptoms of Reiter's syndrome include painful urination, irritation in the eyes and joint pain.
  
  

Bacteremia

• Salmonella bacteria may also enter the patient's bloodstream. This is called bacteremia. From the bloodstream, the bacteria may infect other tissues throughout the body. If the bacteria infects the lining of the heart or its valves, this is called endocarditis. Endocarditis may result in a high fever, flu-like symptoms, shortness of breath and very small reddish spots. If the bacteria infects the spinal cord or brain, this is called meningitis. In addition to flu-like symptoms, meningitis can cause sleepiness, confusion, seizures and a stiff neck. Sometimes, salmonella may infect a patient's bone marrow or bones, which is known as osteomyelitis. Symptoms of this condition may include pain, fever and swelling, redness and warmth over the affected area.