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Salmonella and Typhoid Fever

Clinical features and treatment of non-typhoidal Salmonella gastroenteritis and Salmonella typhi-related enteric fever.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Salmonella and Typhoid Fever?

Salmonella, Gram-negative bacilli, cause infections in two main groups: non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) and typhoidal Salmonella (S. typhi, S. paratyphi). Both groups are transmitted via the fecal-oral route.

Non-typhoidal gastroenteritis is a self-limiting illness acquired through contaminated foods such as eggs, chicken, and meat, presenting within 12-72 hours with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and watery diarrhea. It usually does not require antibiotics.

Typhoid fever (enteric fever) is a serious systemic illness caused by S. typhi and S. paratyphi. It is characterized by gradually rising fever, headache, relative bradycardia, hepatosplenomegaly, and 'rose spots'. Appropriate antibiotic therapy prevents intestinal perforation and other complications.

Symptoms

Nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain in NTS
Low to moderate fever in NTS
Gradually rising fever in typhoid (up to 40°C)
Relative bradycardia (low pulse relative to fever)
Rose spots on the trunk
Hepatosplenomegaly and constipation or diarrhea
Confusion and weakness in typhoid

Risk Factors

Consumption of contaminated eggs, chicken, and meat
Unpasteurized dairy products
Travel to developing countries (typhoid)
Inadequate sanitation and drinking water
Contact with reptiles and poultry
Extremes of age (infant, elderly) and immunosuppression
Achlorhydria and PPI use

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • High fever and prolonged abdominal pain
  • Bloody stools or rectal bleeding
  • Confusion, lethargy (typhoid)
  • Signs of dehydration
  • Febrile illness after travel to a typhoid region

Treatment Methods

01
Fluid and electrolyte therapy in NTS gastroenteritis
02
Antibiotics generally not recommended in NTS (given in severe/risky cases)
03
Ceftriaxone, azithromycin, or fluoroquinolones in typhoid
04
Multidisciplinary treatment for complications
05
Vaccination before travel to typhoid regions (Vi polysaccharide/Ty21a)
06
Food safety and hand hygiene

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.