Salmonellosis

DEFINITION
A bacterial disease that causes enteritis, septicemia, and abortions and is caused by many different serotypes of Salmonella

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Salmonella—a gram-negative bacterium; colonizes the small intestine (ileum); adheres to and invades the enterocytes; eventually enters and multiplies in the lamina propria and local mesenteric lymph nodes; cytotoxin (cell death) and enterotoxin (increases cAMP) are produced; inflammation occurs; and prostaglandin synthesis ensues; results in secretory diarrhea and mucosal sloughing
Uncomplicated gastroenteritis—organisms are stopped at the mesenteric lymph node stage; patient has only diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration
Bacteremia and septicemia following gastroenteritis—more serious disease; focal extraintestinal infections (abortion, joint disease) or endotoxemia may result; may lead to organ infarction, generalized thrombosis, DIC, and death
Some patients recover from the septicemic form but suffer prolonged recovery as a result of their debilitated state.