Salmonella is a genus of gram-negative bacteria shaped like rods and belongs to the family of Enterobacteria. The disease caused by the bacterium is Salmonellosis which is usually characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The significant risk factors include failure to maintain proper hygiene, such as washing hands after the bathroom or taking care after sick. Not washed fruits or raw meat are also primary causes of catching a bacterium.
Mode of Transmission
The Salmonella bacterium is widespread among domestic and wild animals, mainly among animals used for food, such as poultry, pigs, and cattle; as well as among domestic animals, including cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles. People become infected with Salmonellosis, as a rule, as a result of consumption of contaminated food products of animal origin (mainly eggs, meat, poultry, and milk). Although other food products, including green vegetables contaminated with manure, may also be involved in the transmission of infection.
Incidence and Prevalence
The study investigated the prevalence of Salmonella on pig farms. It was identified that “about 25 of all the farms in Suriname were sampled, and prevalence was 9%” (Butaye et al., 2021, p. 1495). The incidence rate is considered to be 6 cases per 100,000 population annually (Butaye et al., 2021). In general, the bacterium is widespread in the Caribbean for widespread cattle breeding and consumption.
Mortality and Odds Ratio
Salmonella is one of the four leading causes of diarrheal diseases worldwide. The identified mortality rate is 20-25 cases per 100,000 people, which is average among all infectious diseases (Butaye et al., 2021). Concerning the odds ratio, approximately 20 individuals would catch the disease by eating eggshell, the other 15 consume raw-meat or fish. It signifies that people are exposed to the infection due to their eating habits.
Reference
Butaye, P., Halliday-Simmonds, I., & Van Sauers, A. (2021). Salmonella in Pig Farms and on Pig Meat in Suriname. Antibiotics, 10(12), 1495. Web.