Salmonella: A Star Among Disease-Causing Bacteria Transmitted by Food

Abstract

Salmonella is an important type of bacteria capable of infecting humans and animals. These bacteria were discovered over 100 years ago, and thousands of types have now been identified. Salmonella can be found in many sources, and its pathway to causing disease in humans is a complex web. Salmonella can live in farm, wild, and domesticated animals; the environment; and water sources—all of which can contaminate food items and, in consequence, humans. The most frequent illness in humans is called salmonellosis, which is characterized by diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Although most people have mild symptoms, a few cases may evolve into a more severe illness that may need medicines called antibiotics to treat. In this article, you will learn about the importance of Salmonella , as well as the challenges it poses for the future and promising scientific advances that will improve our knowledge of these bacteria.