SALMONELLA

genus of rod-shaped, gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacteria in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Their principal habitat is the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. Some species exist in animals without causing disease symptoms; others are serious pathogens for humans. Any of a wide range of mild to serious infections caused by Salmonella is termed salmonellosis. Salmonella typhi causes typhoid (q.v.) in humans; paratyphoid fever (q.v.) is caused by S. parathyphi, S. schottmuelleri, and S. hirschfeldii, which are sometimes considered variants of S. enteritidis. Refrigeration prevents bacterial reproduction but does not kill these microorganisms. As a result, many Salmonella can develop in foods, which, when ingested, can result in gastroenteritis. S. choleraesuis, from swine, can cause severe blood poisoning in humans; S. gallinarum causes fowl typhoid; and S. arizonae has been isolated from reptiles in the southwestern United States.