🦠 Harmful Pathogen · Foodborne
Salmonella spp.: The Foodborne Infection That Hits Hard
Salmonella causes an estimated 93.8 million foodborne cases globally per year. In South Africa, outbreaks linked to school nutrition programmes, informal poultry markets, and contaminated eggs are regularly reported. Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium are the dominant strains in SA. Most infections cause severe gastroenteritis, but invasive strains can cause bloodstream infections and typhoid fever.
⚠ Harmful pathogen
🧬 Detectable by PCR stool test
🏥 No referral needed
93.8M
foodborne cases
globally per year
globally per year
Medically Reviewed
Dr. Samantha Naidoo
MB ChB, FCP (SA) · Medical Director, Epicentre Laboratories
Last reviewed: 19 March 2026
At a glance
Why is Salmonella dangerous?
93.8M
foodborne cases globally per year (WHO)
Leading cause of foodborne illness in SA
🍚
transmitted through eggs, poultry, meat, and produce
Food safety critical
⚠
invasive strains cause typhoid fever
Systemic disease
12-72h
incubation period
Fast-acting infection
PCR
detectable in Epicentre gut tests
Walk-in or home kit
Could Salmonella Be Affecting You?
6 quick questions. Not a diagnosis, but it may help you decide whether testing is worthwhile.
How it works
How does Salmonella cause harm?
⚠
Invades intestinal cells
Salmonella uses a molecular syringe (Type III secretion system) to inject proteins into gut cells, forcing them to engulf the bacteria. Once inside, it multiplies and causes inflammation.
🔥
Triggers intense inflammatory response
The immune system's response to Salmonella invasion causes severe diarrhoea, cramping, and fever. The inflammation damages the gut lining.
🧬
Survives inside immune cells
Uniquely, Salmonella can survive inside macrophages (immune cells), using them as vehicles to spread to other organs in invasive disease.
🔁
Persistent gut disruption
Even after clearance, Salmonella leaves lasting microbiome disruption that can take weeks to months to recover from.
Warning signs
Symptoms of Salmonella infection or overgrowth
Sudden onset watery or bloody diarrhoea
Severe abdominal cramping
Fever (38-39 degrees C)
Nausea and vomiting
Dehydration from fluid loss
Most Salmonella infections resolve within 4-7 days. But in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients, invasive Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and cause life-threatening sepsis.
High fever and chills
Severe dehydration and weakness
Bloody diarrhoea in severe cases
Bacteraemia and sepsis in vulnerable populations
Prolonged fatigue during recovery
Salmonella infection or overgrowth is linked to the following conditions.
Gastroenteritis: most common presentation; 12-72 hour incubation, 4-7 day duration
Typhoid fever: caused by S. typhi; high fever, confusion, rose spots (travel-acquired)
Bacteraemia: bloodstream infection in immunocompromised, very young, or elderly
Reactive arthritis: joint inflammation weeks after infection
Chronic carriage: some individuals shed Salmonella for months after recovery
"
"Salmonella is the foodborne infection I see most in summer months when food storage temperatures slip. The rule is simple: cook thoroughly, refrigerate promptly, and never cross-contaminate. Most cases are entirely preventable."Dr. Samantha Naidoo, MB ChB, FCP (SA), Medical Director, Epicentre
How it progresses
The progression of Salmonella infection
1
Exposure: contaminated food, water, or animal contact
Eggs, poultry, and raw produce are the main sources. In South Africa, informal poultry slaughter and the school nutrition programme have been linked to outbreaks. Salmonella contamination was found in 29-44% of chicken carcasses in Gauteng informal markets.
2
12-72 hour incubation
Salmonella invades the intestinal lining during this period. No symptoms yet.
3
Acute gastroenteritis
Sudden diarrhoea, cramping, fever, and vomiting. Most cases resolve in 4-7 days with hydration.
4
Invasive disease (in vulnerable patients)
In immunocompromised, infants, or elderly, Salmonella can enter the bloodstream and cause sepsis, meningitis, or focal infections.
5
Recovery and microbiome repair
Even after clearance, gut microbiome disruption persists. Some patients develop post-infectious IBS. High-fibre diet and probiotics accelerate recovery.
The good news: Most Salmonella infections resolve with hydration alone within a week. Antibiotics are only needed for invasive disease. Prevention through food safety is highly effective. Gut recovery is supported by probiotics and fibre.
Prevention and treatment
How to protect yourself from Salmonella
Cook eggs and poultry thoroughly
No runny eggs in high-risk settings. Poultry to 74 degrees C internal temperature. In South Africa, informal market poultry carries higher Salmonella risk.
Refrigerate promptly
Bacteria multiply rapidly between 5-60 degrees C. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Separate raw and cooked
Different chopping boards, utensils, and storage for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods.
Hand washing
After handling raw meat, eggs, or reptiles. Before eating or preparing food.
Probiotics after infection
L. rhamnosus GG and fermented foods help rebuild gut diversity after Salmonella.
High-fibre recovery diet
After acute illness resolves, high-fibre foods accelerate microbiome restoration.
Testing
Test for Salmonella at Epicentre
Salmonella is included in the Complete Gut Profile and Gut Deep Dive. No referral needed.
Gut Essentials
17 probiotic species only. Does not include Salmonella.
R1,995
~R499/mo with Payflex
Complete Gut Profile
✓ Includes Salmonella
45 targets: probiotics, pathogens, parasites, fungi, H. pylori.
R4,850
~R1,213/mo with Payflex · 5% student discount
Gut Deep Dive
✓ Includes Salmonella + disease associations
Everything in Complete plus disease association analysis.
R5,620
~R1,405/mo with Payflex · 5% student discount
Common questions
Frequently asked questions about Salmonella
Can I supplement Salmonella?
You do not supplement Salmonella. It is a pathogen. After infection, probiotics and a high-fibre diet support gut recovery. Antibiotics are prescribed only for invasive disease.
What foods are relevant to Salmonella?
Cook eggs and poultry thoroughly. Refrigerate food promptly. Wash produce. Separate raw meat from ready-to-eat foods. After infection, fermented foods and diverse fibre support gut recovery.
Do I need a referral for testing?
No. Walk into any Epicentre branch in Durban (Hillcrest), Cape Town (Observatory), or Johannesburg (Parktown North). Or order a home stool collection kit.
Which test detects Salmonella?
Salmonella is included in the Complete Gut Profile (R4,850) and Gut Deep Dive (R5,620). The Gut Essentials (R1,995) covers probiotics only and does not include pathogen detection.
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