Salmonella infection is an instance of gastroenteritis caused by Salmonella bacterium. Salmonellosis is typically induced by the consumption of contaminated food. Salmonellosis can also be contracted by coming into contact with an infected individual or a contaminated surface.
The majority of the more than 2,000 strains of Salmonella bacteria can infect both humans and animals. Two strains of Salmonella are known to induce severe fevers, including typhoid and paratyphoid fever. Salmonella is one of the leading causes of gastroenteritis and is responsible for a variety of other illnesses.
Salmonella infection symptoms typically appear anywhere between six hours and three days after exposure to the bacteria. Theobald Smith first identified the bacterium in 1885. Salmonella infection is believed to be the most common cause of food-borne illness.
