You are in: eMedicine Specialties > Infectious Diseases > MEDICAL TOPICS SalmonellosisArticle Last Updated: Aug 1, 2005AUTHOR AND EDITOR INFORMATIONAuthor: Michael Zapor, MD, PhD, Clinic Chief, Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Michael Zapor is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, American Society for Microbiology, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Sigma Xi Coauthor(s): David P Dooley, MD, Chief, Associate Fellowship Director, Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Service, Brooke Army Medical Center; Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Texas at San Antonio Editors: Mary Nettleman, MD, MS, Chair, Department of Medicine, Michigan State University; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Michael Stuart Bronze, MD, Professor, Stewart G Wolf Chair in Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center; Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD, Clinical and Research Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital; Burke A Cunha, MD, Professor of Medicine, State University of New York School of Medicine at Stony Brook; Chief, Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital Author and Editor Disclosure Synonyms and related keywords: salmonellae, Enterobacteriaceae, enteric pathogens, food-borne illness, Salmonella choleraesuis, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella heidelberg, S choleraesuis, S typhi, S paratyphi, S typhimurium, S enteritidis, S heidelberg, enteric fever, typhoid fever, bacteremia, endovascular infections, osteomyelitis, Salmonella enterica, S enterica, nontyphoid Salmonella infection, gastroenteritis, Salmonella enteritidis heidelberg, S enteritidis heidelberg, Salmonella enteritidis newport, S enteritidis newport, Salmonella hadar, S hadar, Salmonella enteritidis agona, S enteritidis agona, Salmonella enteritidis montevideo, S enteritidis montevideo, Salmonella oranienburg, S oranienburg, Salmonella muenchen, S muenchen, Salmonella enteritidis thompson, S enteritidis thompson, Salmonella gastroenteritis INTRODUCTIONBackgroundFirst described in 1880 and cultured in 1884, salmonellae are motile, gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae. Named after Daniel E. Salmon, the pathologist who first isolated the organism from porcine intestine, salmonellae are common in the gastrointestinal tracts of mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects. As with the closely related bacterium Escherichia coli, salmonellae are potential enteric pathogens and a leading cause of bacterial food-borne illness. Additionally, salmonellae have been implicated in a spectrum of other diseases, including enteric or typhoid fever (primarily Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi), bacteremia, endovascular infections, focal infections (eg, osteomyelitis), and enterocolitis (typically Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, and Salmonella heidelberg). All salmonellae are grouped into a single overarching species. This species, Salmonella choleraesuis, is divided into 7 subgroups based on DNA homology and host range. Most of the salmonellae that are pathogenic in humans belong to a single subgroup (subgroup I). Additionally, each of the salmonellae can be serotyped according to their particular complement of somatic O, surface Vi, and flagellar H antigens. Presently, more than 2,300 Salmonella serovars exist. Salmonellae can be isolated in the microbiology laboratory using a number of low-selective media (MacConkey agar, deoxycholate agar), intermediate-selective media (Salmonella-Shigella [SS] agar, Hektoen [HE] agar), and highly selective media (selenite agar with brilliant green). Individual isolates can then be distinguished by serotyping, bacteriophage typing, and genotyping. PathophysiologyThe transmission of salmonellae to a susceptible host usually occurs by consumption of contaminated foods. The most common sources of salmonellae are beef, poultry, and eggs. In one recent estimate, consumption of egg shell fragments contaminated with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis was responsible for approximately 182,060 cases of enteritis in the United States in the year 2000. Improperly prepared fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and shellfish have also been implicated as sources of Salmonella. Moreover, human-to-human and animal-to-human transmission can occur. For example, amphibian and reptile exposure is associated with approximately 74,000 Salmonella infections annually in the United States. Recently, cats have also been implicated as a potential reservoir. Although the infectious dose varies among strains, a large inoculum is thought to be necessary to overcome stomach acidity and to compete with normal intestinal flora. Large inocula are also associated with higher rates of illness and shorter incubation periods. However, lower infectious doses may be adequate to cause infection if these organisms are co-ingested with foods that rapidly transit the stomach (eg, liquids) or that raise gastric pH (eg, cheese, milk), if antacids are used concomitantly, or if these organisms are ingested by individuals with impaired immune systems. After ingestion, infection with salmonellae is characterized by attachment of the bacteria by fimbriae or pili to cells lining the intestinal lumen. Salmonellae selectively attach to specialized epithelial cells (M cells) of the Peyer patches. The bacteria are then internalized by receptor-mediated endocytosis and transported within phagosomes to the lamina propria, where they are released. Once there, salmonellae induce an influx of macrophages (typhoidal strains) or neutrophils (nontyphoidal strains). Although nontyphoid salmonellae generally precipitate a localized response, S typhi and other especially virulent strains invade deeper tissues via lymphatics and capillaries and elicit a major immune response. Virulence factors of salmonellae are complex and encoded both on the organism's chromosome and on large (34-120 kd) plasmids. Some areas of active investigation include the means by which salmonellae attach to and invade the intestine, survive within phagosomes, effect a massive efflux of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen, and develop drug resistance. Several Salmonella pathogenicity islands have been identified that mediate uptake of the bacteria into epithelial cells (type III secretion system [TTSS]), nonphagocytic cell invasion (Salmonella pathogenicity-island 1 [SPI-1]), and survival and replication within macrophages (Salmonella pathogenicity-island 2 [SPI-2], phoP/phoQ). The severity of illness in individuals infected with salmonellae is determined not only by the virulence factors of the infecting strain but by host properties as well. For example, individuals at the extremes of age (ie, people who are very young or very old) are at an increased risk for bacteremia. Similarly, systemic lupus erythematosus, malignancies, and immune deficiency are also associated with increased risk of bacteremia. FrequencyUnited StatesIn 1997, the estimated annual incidence of salmonellosis was 13.8 cases per 100,000 people; however, most cases are unreported, and the true incidence may be much higher. Although the incidence is greatest among children, outbreaks are common among individuals who are institutionalized and residents of nursing homes. Far fewer cases of typhoid fever occur each year (0.2 per 100,000 people), and these are increasingly associated with travel to developing countries (currently 72% of cases). InternationalIn many countries, the incidence of salmonellosis has markedly increased; however, a paucity of good surveillance data exists. An estimated 12-33 million cases of typhoid fever occur globally each year, and the disease is endemic in many developing countries of the Indian subcontinent, South and Central America, and Africa. Outbreaks of typhoid fever have also occurred amidst the recent social upheaval of Eastern Europe. Mortality/MorbidityInfection with nontyphoidal salmonellae typically produces a self-limiting gastroenteritis, and dehydrated patients occasionally require hospitalization. Still, death rarely occurs. For example, the mortality rate associated with S enteritidis outbreaks in the United States from 1985-1991 was 0.4%. Case-fatality rates were 70 times higher in nursing homes and hospitals. Mortality rates from typhoid fever are similarly low in the United States (<1%), but mortality rates of 10-30% have been reported in certain Asian and African countries. Between 1996 and 1999, an estimated 1.4 million nontyphoid Salmonella infections occurred in the United States, with an estimated 15,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths annually. A related study during the same period found that 22% of people infected with nontyphoid Salmonella required hospitalization, with an annual incidence of 0.08 deaths per 100,000 population.
RaceThe disease has no predilection for a particular race. SexThe disease has no predilection for either sex. AgeThe incidence of salmonellosis in the United States is greatest among children younger than 5 years (61.8 per 100,000 people), with a peak among those younger than 1 year. Infants and people older than 60 years are most susceptible and tend to have more severe infections. In one 4-year surveillance study, 47% of people hospitalized with nontyphoid Salmonella infections were older than 60 years. CLINICALHistorySalmonella infections typically produce 1 of 3 distinct syndromes: gastroenteritis, typhoid (enteric) fever, or focal disease.
PhysicalPatients with Salmonella gastroenteritis typically have a self-limiting fever (38-39°C) within 48 hours of ingestion. A prolonged persistent fever (4-8 wk in untreated individuals) that increases daily (as high as 41°C) suggests typhoid fever. Nontyphoidal gastroenteritis is generally limited to diarrhea, although typhoid (enteric) fever may present with both gastrointestinal and skin manifestations (ie, rose spots). The following organ systems may be involved with Salmonella infection:
Causes
DIFFERENTIALSCampylobacter Infections Cryptosporidiosis Cyclospora Escherichia Coli Infections Listeria Monocytogenes Shigellosis Vibrio Infections Yersinia Enterocolitica
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| Drug Name | Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) |
|---|---|
| Description | Fluoroquinolone with activity against MRSA, pseudomonad species, streptococcal species, Salmonella epidermidis, and most gram-negative organisms, but no activity against anaerobes. Inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis and, consequently, growth. |
| Adult Dose | Gastroenteritis: 500 mg PO bid for 7 d Typhoid fever: 400 mg IV bid, then switch to PO when tolerated for a total course of 10 d |
| Pediatric Dose | <18 years: Not recommended >18 years: Administer as in adults |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Antacids, iron salts, and zinc salts may reduce serum levels; administer antacids 2-4 h before or after taking fluoroquinolones; cimetidine may interfere with metabolism of fluoroquinolones; ciprofloxacin reduces therapeutic effects of phenytoin; probenecid may increase ciprofloxacin serum concentrations; may increase toxicity of theophylline, caffeine, cyclosporine, and digoxin (monitor digoxin levels); may increase effects of anticoagulants (monitor PT) |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | In prolonged therapy, perform periodic evaluations of organ system functions (eg, renal, hepatic, hematopoietic); adjust dose in patients with renal function impairment; superinfections may occur with prolonged or repeated antibiotic therapy; rarely causes crystalluria (avoid alkalinization; patients should be well hydrated); may cause adverse CNS effects (eg, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness, agitation, nightmares, paranoia); may cause sunburnlike photosensitivity (avoid excessive sunlight) |
| Drug Name | Azithromycin (Zithromax) |
|---|---|
| Description | Treats mild-to-moderate microbial infections. |
| Adult Dose | Typhoid fever: 1000 mg PO qd for 5 d or 1000 mg PO on d 1 followed by 500 mg PO qd for 6 d |
| Pediatric Dose | Not established |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; hepatic impairment; do not administer with pimozide |
| Interactions | May increase toxicity of theophylline, warfarin, and digoxin; effects are reduced with coadministration of aluminum and/or magnesium antacids; nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity may occur when coadministered with cyclosporine |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Site reactions can occur with IV route; bacterial or fungal overgrowth may result with prolonged antibiotic use; may increase hepatic enzymes and cholestatic jaundice; caution in patients with impaired hepatic function, prolonged QT intervals, or pneumonia; caution in patients who are hospitalized, older, or debilitated |
| Drug Name | Ceftriaxone (Rocephin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Third-generation cephalosporin with broad-spectrum gram-negative activity; lower efficacy against gram-positive organisms; higher efficacy against resistant organisms. Arrests bacterial growth by binding to one or more penicillin-binding proteins. |
| Adult Dose | Typhoid fever: 2-3 g IV qd for 7-14 d |
| Pediatric Dose | 50-75 mg/kg IV q12h |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity |
| Interactions | Probenecid may increase ceftriaxone levels; coadministration with ethacrynic acid, furosemide, and aminoglycosides may increase nephrotoxicity |
| Pregnancy | B - Usually safe but benefits must outweigh the risks. |
| Precautions | Caution in women who are breastfeeding; caution in individuals with a history of gastrointestinal disease; not to be administered to preterm or neonates; may cause pseudobiliary lithiasis |
| Drug Name | Trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim DS, Septra) |
|---|---|
| Description | Inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting synthesis of dihydrofolic acid. Antibacterial activity of TMP-SMZ includes common urinary tract pathogens, except P aeruginosa. |
| Adult Dose | Gastroenteritis: 160 mg TMP/800 mg SMZ PO bid for 3-5 d |
| Pediatric Dose | <2 months: Do not administer >2 months: 8 mg/kg/d TMP and 40mg/kg/d SMZ PO bid |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency |
| Interactions | May increase PT when used with warfarin (perform coagulation tests and adjust dose accordingly); coadministration with dapsone may increase blood levels of both drugs; coadministration of diuretics increases incidence of thrombocytopenia purpura in elderly; phenytoin levels may increase with coadministration; may potentiate effects of methotrexate in bone marrow depression; hypoglycemic response to sulfonylureas may increase with coadministration; may increase levels of zidovudine; may cause nephrotoxicity when coadministered with cyclosporine; indomethacin may increase serum sulfamethoxazole levels; may cause megaloblastic anemia in patients concurrently receiving pyrimethamine; may decrease efficacy of TCAs |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Discontinue at first appearance of skin rash or sign of adverse reaction; obtain CBCs frequently; discontinue therapy if significant hematologic changes occur; goiter, diuresis, and hypoglycemia may occur with sulfonamides; prolonged IV infusions or high doses may cause bone marrow depression (if signs occur, administer 5-15 mg/d leucovorin); caution in patients with folate deficiency (eg, chronic alcoholism, advanced age, anticonvulsant therapy, malabsorption syndrome); hemolysis may occur in individuals with G-6-PD deficiency; patients with AIDS may not tolerate or respond to TMP-SMX; caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment (perform urinalyses and renal function tests during therapy); administer fluids to prevent crystalluria and stone formation |
| Drug Name | Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) |
|---|---|
| Description | Binds to 50S bacterial-ribosomal subunits and inhibits bacterial growth by inhibiting protein synthesis. Effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. PO formulation unavailable in the United States. |
| Adult Dose | Typhoid fever: 500 mg PO/IV qid for 14 d |
| Pediatric Dose | 75-100 mg/kg/d |
| Contraindications | Documented hypersensitivity; bone marrow depression; impaired hepatic function |
| Interactions | Concurrently with barbiturates, chloramphenicol serum levels may decrease while barbiturate levels may increase causing toxicity; manifestations of hypoglycemia may occur with sulfonylureas; rifampin may reduce serum chloramphenicol levels, presumably through hepatic enzyme induction; may increase effects of anticoagulants; may increase serum hydantoin levels, possibly resulting in toxicity |
| Pregnancy | C - Safety for use during pregnancy has not been established. |
| Precautions | Use only for indicated infections or as prophylaxis for bacterial infections; serious and fatal blood dyscrasias (eg, aplastic anemia, hypoplastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, granulocytopenia) can occur; evaluate baseline, and perform periodic blood studies approximately every 3 d while in therapy; discontinue upon appearance of reticulocytopenia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, dose-related adverse effects; caution in pregnancy at term or during labor because of potential toxic effects on fetus (gray syndrome); not recommended in women who are breastfeeding; serum concentrations must be performed in pediatric patients with impaired or immature metabolic functions or in patients who are receiving medications also metabolized by the liver |
Article Last Updated: Aug 1, 2005