Salmonella bacteria are a leading cause of food poisoning in the United States, with 2 to 4 million cases annually, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Common sources of salmonella poisoning include eggs, poultry, beef, unpasteurized dairy products and contaminated water. Consumption of raw or undercooked foods or contaminated water frequently leads to an acute diarrheal illness known as salmonellosis. The severity of salmonellosis varies from person to person.
Fever
A fever usually develops within approximately 12 to 72 hours of ingestion of Salmonella-contaminated food or water, reports the medical reference text "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases." The fever typically ranges from 100 to 102 degrees F. Chills commonly accompany the fever, which usually resolves in approximately 2 to 3 days.
Abdominal Cramps
Abdominal cramps typically begin at approximately the same time as the fever, within 12 to 72 hours after ingestion of the Salmonella bacteria, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The cramps generally persist throughout the duration of the diarrheal illness, gradually becoming less severe and frequent as the diarrhea resolves.
Diarrhea
Watery diarrhea begins shortly after the onset of abdominal cramps, typically within 12 to 72 hours after ingestion of Salmonella-contaminated food or water, notes the CDC. Toxins produced by the Salmonella bacteria provoke the diarrhea of salmonellosis, reports microbiologist Kenneth Todar, Ph.D., in Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. The diarrhea of uncomplicated salmonellosis typically lasts for four to seven days, according to the CDC.
In some patients, severe diarrhea necessitates hospitalization to replace massive fluid losses through the intestine. Nausea may accompany diarrhea in some patients, making oral replacement of fluids challenging. Patients with nausea and severe diarrhea often require intravenous fluid support.
Joint Pain and Swelling
A small percentage of people with salmonellosis develop joint pain and swelling approximately three to four weeks after the diarrheal illness, reports the FDA. This complication, known as Reiter's syndrome or reactive arthritis, most commonly affects the joints of the spine, hips, knees and ankles, notes the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. Patients may experience a single attack of reactive arthritis or periodic attacks. Joint damage generally does not occur with reactive arthritis.
Eye Irritation
Approximately 40 percent of patients that develop Reiter's syndrome also experience superficial eye inflammation and irritation, or conjunctivitis, reports the University of Washington. Conjunctivitis typically occurs concurrently with joint swelling and pain. In most cases, the conjunctivitis of Reiter's syndrome resolves without treatment. Rarely, a patient with recurrent or chronic Reiter's syndrome may develop inflammation of the interior eye structures, a condition known as iritis. Medical treatment proves necessary with iritis to prevent permanent eye damage.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Bad Bug Book: Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook Salmonella spp.
- "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Sixth Edition"; Gerald L. Mandell, M.D., et al. (Eds.); 2004
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonellosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Salmonella Enteritidis
- Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology: Salmonella and Salmonellosis
