4.2 Salmonella Food Poisoning

Question 1

What is salmonella food poisoning caused by?

Where is it present?

Answer 1

Salmonella

Naturally present in the intestines of many animals- may be present in animal faeces

Question 2

How is salmonella spread?

Answer 2

When a person consumes food or drink that is contaminated, directly or indirectly, with faeces

Question 3

How is the bacteria killed?

Answer 3

By thorough cooking, but can be spread if raw or only partially cooked

Question 4

How does the bacteria cause disease?

Answer 4

Salmonella bacteria invade the cells lining the small intestine where they divide rapidly. When the bacteria die they release an ENDOTOXIN - which are found inside the bacterial cells so they are only released when the cells burst open after the bacteria have died.

Question 5

The ENDOTOXIN causes the symptoms of salmonella food poisoning which are:

Answer 5

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Fever

Question 6

When do the symptoms start?

How long do they last for?

Answer 6

About 12-14 hours after the contaminated food was eaten, may last for 2-5 days
The faeces produced are wry watery, containing mucus and sometimes blood - the infection can cause severe dehydration(especially in young/elderly)

Question 7

How is salmonella treated?

Answer 7

Most cases left to run their course.
Patient advised to drink plenty of fluids and to rest while they recover from their symptoms.
Very young/elderly, or in severe cases, ORAL REHYDRATION THERAPY is given. A drink of water containing sugars and salts which replaces mineral ions lost by the body as well as fluids.
Antibiotics are only given in very severe cases.

Question 8

Best way to prevent food poisoning is…

Answer 8

By following good food-hygiene rules
Completely thawing out frozen meat
Good personal hygiene (washing hands after toilet & before handling food