What Are the Functions of Salmonella?

Salmonella bacteria are often transmitted by contaminated meat or eggs.

According to the USDA, salmonella bacteria are the most common cause of food-borne illness in the United States. There are more than 2500 serotypes (subtypes) of salmonella, only some of which cause illness in humans.

Function

Like any other organism, the essential function of salmonella is to find the nutrients it needs to sustain its growth and reproduce. Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, a process where the bacterium divides to make two bacteria. Salmonella bacteria inhabit a variety of habitats, although the principal habitat of most strains is the intestinal tract of animals, including humans.

Features

Humans typically become infected with pathogenic (disease-causing) salmonella bacteria by eating food infected with animal feces. Sometimes eggs can become contaminated by hens who harbor the bacteria in their ovaries, although this is believed to be relatively uncommon.

Effects

Once in the intestine, the bacteria invade the lining of the gut and release toxins that trigger a violent immune response, leading to diarrhea and inflammation. In weakened patients, the bacteria may successfully make their way into the bloodstream and become systemic. While salmonellosis is not generally fatal, it can sometimes be lethal, especially in the elderly and the very young. If salmonella infection is suspected, you should always seek prompt medical attention.

References

• Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology: Salmonella and Salmonellosis
• NCBI Bookshelf: Medical Microbiology, Salmonella
• USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: Salmonella Questions and Answers