Salmonella infection is prevalent across the world. There are many forms of this disease which can affect different individuals. One of most prominent forms of this disease is caused by consuming food and water which has come in contact with human refuse. Another prominent form of this infection is due to food poisoning which is caused when Salmonella enters our body due to poorly cooked food. In fact, Salmonella food poisoning is prevalent across the United States of America and Europe. Salmonella food poisoning affects thousands across these regions and causes many deaths every year.
Causes of Salmonella food poisoning
Salmonella food poisoning is caused by a number of reasons which include consumption of affected food items. Further, a carrier such as a rodent or a pet might carry this disease this disease as well. Some reasons are presented below with detailed analysis of all of them along with ways of prevention.
1. Consumption of infected food: Salmonella bacteria can be present in various animals such as cattle, pigs and poultry. When these are cooked at 55 degrees Celsius for over an hour, the bacteria start getting removed. However, the bacteria are removed completely when these food items are cooked at around 75 degrees for around ten minutes so as to ensure complete removal of the bacteria. In case the food is not cooked for this duration, some traces of Salmonella can be left behind. It is quite possible that such a small amount may not be harmful, but in case anyone with feeble immune system consumes them, he or she can get affected. Moreover, children have underdeveloped immune system and they can get catch Salmonella food poisoning easily even without presence of a heavy Salmonella content in the food. Moreover, immune system can also become weak in elderly people and those who might be suffering from AIDS. In order to remove any trace of Salmonella in the food, you need to cook your food properly with the above specified methods.
It is also possible that fruits and vegetables prepared from infected water become carriers of this disease. In poor countries, this is a practice to irrigate fields with polluted water. This polluted water might also contain Salmonella which can cause infection in the individuals who consume them. Sometimes, vegetables such as cabbage are eaten in raw form in salads. If such cabbage is infected with Salmonella, Salmonella food poisoning might occur in the individual who consumes it.
2. Consumption of infected food products derived from infected animals: There are many food products which are derived from cattle and poultry. These include eggs and milk. In case these food products are not treated well, the individual who consumes them might catch this form of food poisoning. Thus, it is very important that you treat such food products well before consuming them. Further, it is necessary that you store them properly after treatment.
3. Contamination due to carriers: The Salmonella infection can be carried by a number of animals such as lizards and snakes etc. This is because these animals can carry the bacteria on their skins. Though you cannot prevent them to become infected, you can protect yourself, your family members and your food to come in direct of them. Similarly, pets such as rabbits can also become carriers of the disease. To prevent the infection from carried on to your food from your pets you must sanitize your pets properly at regular intervals.
Symptoms
A number of complications might occur due to the direct action of the bacteria. These complications include gastroenteritis, diarrhea, vomiting etc. Some individuals might also develop pink spots on chest along with headache. Other symptoms include reactive arthritis which triggers auto immunity i.e. immunity of the body against its own parts. In this condition, various complications such as pain in joints may set in. Further problem while passing urine may occur due to various diseases of the genitals. It may also lead to inflammation of eyes which causes impairment of vision.
Treatment
The treatment of food poisoning is usually done with the help of antibiotics. Antibiotics such as flouroquinolones are used in the treatment of infections caused by Salmonella. One such popular antibiotic is ciprofloxacin which is quite effective against this infection. However, it must be noted that enough care needs to be used during the treatment. This is because the flouroquinolones are extremely toxic and if consumed in excess, these can lead to various complications related to toxicity. Further, while treating the infected children, Cephalosporin needs to be given to them due to its lower level of toxicity.
