Salmonella enterica
Please note: This is for information only.
Refer to local guidelines for treatment recommendations
- A Gram-negative bacillus belonging to the diverse family of Enterobacteriacae (coliforms).
- There are over 3,000 different serotypes.
- Most salmonellae cause gastro-enteritis, but some cause severe systemic disease – enteric fever (serotypes Typhi, Paratyphi A, B, C).
- Infection control precautions are required (enteric precautions).
- Transmission is by the oral faecal route, so hand hygiene (patient and carer) is important.
- Gastro-enteritis is diagnosed by stool culture.
- Blood and stool cultures are required for diagnosing enteric fever.
Main clinical infections:
- Gastroenteritis
- Typhoid
- Septicaemia
- Rarely meningitis
- Osteomyelitis
Usually sensitive to:
- Note: antibiotic treatment of salmonella gastroenteritis is only recommended for elderly patients, those with invasive disease or typhoid/paratyphoid.
- Ciprofloxacin
- Chloramphenicol
- Ceftriaxone
Usually resistant to: