Salmonella typhimurium

Salmonella typhimurium is a type of rod-shaped, gram-negative bacteria that belongs to the Salmonella genus. These bacteria are commonly found in the intestinal tracts of humans and various animals, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. While many animals can carry Salmonella without showing symptoms, it is a significant cause of foodborne illness globally.1

In humans, infection, known as salmonellosis, typically results from consuming contaminated food or water. Common sources include undercooked poultry and eggs, meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and fresh produce. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 72 hours and include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While most healthy individuals recover within days, severe dehydration or bloodstream infections can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations like infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. S. typhimurium is one of the primary culprits behind gastroenteritis, a common form of salmonellosis.12