Salmonella

Question 1

T/F: Fever is associated with salmonella

Answer 1

T

Question 2

Salmonella has a [quick/slow] onset

Answer 2

Quick onset

Question 3

T/F: Salmonella should always be treated with antibiotics

Answer 3

F; salmonella is usually self limiting

Question 4

What organism is responsible for salmonella?

Answer 4

Bacteria; usually enteritica serotypes, including S. typhi

Question 5

What are the defining characteristics (symptoms) of salmonella’s presentation in a patient?

Answer 5

1. acute onset of headache
2. abdominal pain
3. diarrhea
4. occasional N & V

Question 6

How is a patient usually exposed to salmonella?

Answer 6

Contaminated food of animal origin

Question 7

What are the common reservoirs of salmonella?

Answer 7

Domestic and wild animals including:

• poultry
• swine
• chicks (think: chicks from Easter)
• dogs
• cats
• turtles (!!)
• iguanas (reptile petting zoos, etc.)

Question 8

What are the possible complications of salmonella?

Answer 8

Dehydration, septicemia or establish a localized infection such as pericarditis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, etc.

Question 9

In what population(s) should healthcare providers be especially concerned for severe dehydration and mortality as a result from salmonella infection?

Answer 9

Infants
Elderly
Immunosuppressed

Question 10

What form(s) of transmission is associated with salmonella infections?

Answer 10

1. Ingestion of contaminated food products
2. Human to animal contact
3. Human to human contact (fecal/oral)

Question 11

What antibiotics are recommended in the treatment of salmonella, when necessary?

Answer 11

Ciprofloxacin, TMP-SMX (Sulfamethoxazole/Trimethoprim; “Bactrim”), and Ceftriaxone

Question 12

What are reasonable methods of preventing salmonella infection?

Answer 12

Safe food handling
Personal hygiene
Public education about pets