Ever wondered if that seemingly harmless bite of undercooked chicken could turn your world upside down? Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, is more than just a stomach bug; it's a prevalent bacterial disease relentlessly targeting the intestinal tract. It's time to understand the risks lurking in your everyday meals.

The insidious nature of Salmonella lies in its ubiquity. These bacteria thrive in the intestines of both animals and humans, surreptitiously shedding through stool. The most common route of infection? Contaminated food and water. While some individuals exhibit no symptoms, they remain carriers, unknowingly contributing to the spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections in the United States annually, primarily through contaminated food sources. This makes Salmonella a leading cause of foodborne illnesses in the nation.

Aspect	Information
Name	Salmonella (Genus)
Discovery	First described in 1880 by Eberth (observed in typhoid fever patients); Salmonella choleraesuis described by Salmon and Smith six years later. Named after Daniel Elmer Salmon.
Type	Gram-negative bacteria comprising various serotypes. Salmonella enterica is most commonly associated with human diseases.
Habitat	Intestines of humans and animals.
Transmission	Primarily through consumption of contaminated foods, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and unpasteurized milk. Also via contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables. Can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands.
Symptoms	Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may have no symptoms. Symptoms usually last 4 to 7 days.
Complications	Mild to severe acute gastroenteritis. Can lead to more serious conditions in vulnerable individuals.
Diagnosis	Laboratory testing, particularly culture. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing may be necessary due to increasing antibiotic resistance.
Treatment	Most people recover without antibiotics. Antibiotics are sometimes used to treat severe intestinal illness or people at risk for severe illness. Alternative treatments are urgently needed due to antibiotic resistance.
Prevention	Proper food handling, cooking foods thoroughly, washing hands, and avoiding cross-contamination.
Impact	A leading cause of foodborne illness, causing an estimated 1.35 million infections in the United States each year.
Further Information	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Salmonella