Salmonellosis

A case of salmonellosis begins when an unsuspecting diner, top right, eats contaminated food. Inset shows magnified image of salmonella in chicken. Contaminated food enters esophagus, then stomach and intestine. Bacteria attach to stomach lining and intestinal walls, causing inflammation. Salmonella bacteria multiply in intestine. Upper intestine dilates and becomes painfully bloated. In worst cases, infection may spread to bloodstream. Irritation and inflammation speed passage of food through colon. Intestinal cramps produce diarrhea. A fever may develop. Most infections clear up on their own in 5 to 7 days. Severe cases may require treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.