Hospital Virtual Tour

Salmonella enterocolitis - Overview

Alternative Names

Salmonellosis

Definition of Salmonella enterocolitis:

Salmonella enterocolitis is an infection in the lining of the small intestine caused by Salmonella bacteria.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Salmonella enterocolitis is one of the most common types of food poisoning. It occurs when you swallow food or water that is contaminated with the salmonella bacteria. Any food can become contaminated if food preparation conditions and equipment are unsanitary.

You are more likely to get this type of infection if you have:

Eaten improperly prepared or stored food (especially undercooked turkey or chicken, unrefrigerated turkey dressing, undercooked eggs)
Family members with recent salmonella infection
Had a recent family illness with gastroenteritis
Been in an institution
Eaten chicken recently
A pet iguana or other lizards, turtles, or snakes (reptiles are carriers of salmonella)
A weakened immune system

Approximately 40,000 people develop salmonella infection in the United States each year. Most patients are younger than 20. The highest rate occurs from July through October.

Salmonella typhi organism

Digestive system

Digestive system organs

Reviewed last on: 11/2/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Montes M, DuPont HL. Enteritis, enterocolitis and infectious diarrhea syndromes. In: Cohen J, Powderly WG, eds. Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Elsevier;2004: chap 43.

Pegues DA, Ohl ME, Miller SI. Salmonella species, including Salmonella typhi. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005: chap 220.

Giannella RA. Infectious enteritis and proctocolitis and bacterial food poisoning. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2006: chap 104.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)