infectious diseases
Nontyphoidal Salmonella Infections
Key Points
NontyphoidalSalmonellainfections are common and result from direct and indirect contact with numerous species of infected animals, the foodstuffs derived from them, and their excreta. Clinical syndromes include gastroenteritis, enteric fever, and focal infections; bacteremia occasionally occurs. Diagnose using cultures. For uncomplicated gastroenteritis, antibiotics are unnecessary; they do not hasten resolution and may prolong excretion of the organism. Treat high-risk patients (eg, older nursing home residents, infants, patients with hemoglobinopathies, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions) with antibiotics, such asciprofloxacin,azithromycin,ceftriaxone, ortrimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). An asymptomatic carrier state may occur, but carriers do not play a major role in outbreaks, and treatment with antibiotics is rarely indicated. 