Definition

• The bacteria group known as salmonella spreads from animal or human feces to other animals and people. More than 2,000 serotypes of salmonella exist, with salmonella typhimurium being one of the two most common strains found in humans.
  
  

Symptoms

• A salmonella infection usually leads to abdominal cramping, fever and diarrhea, with symptoms lasting from a few days to a week. Symptoms typically are present within 72 hours of infection.
  
  

Prognosis

• Treatment is usually not required, as humans recover without intervention. However, some patients may require hospitalization because the bacteria has spread to the blood stream from the intestines and even to other parts of the body, requiring antibiotic treatment.
  
  

Severity

• The severity and duration of the symptoms depends largely on the patient, his immune system and overall health. Another determining factor is the amount of salmonella consumed.
  
  

When To Seek Help

• If diarrhea, cramping, fever and/or vomiting become severe or prolonged, consult a physician. A bacterial culture can determine whether salmonella is the culprit and which method of treatment--if any---should be followed. Fluid replacement is usually recommended in even the mildest of cases.