Experts: Bacteria in food could lead to chronic arthritis

  • 9 years ago
Salmonella bacteria, typically found in poultry, eggs, and milk can be a source of gastroenteritis, typhoid fever, or even chronic arthritis, experts warned.

This type of bacteria can thrive in undercooked meals and improperly filtered beverages.

Salmonellosis, an infection caused by the salmonella bacteria can cause abdominal pains, vomiting, fever and diarrhea to its victim, appearing 12-72 hours after the infection.

The salmonella bacterium appears in various forms but two of the most common serotypes are the Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella Typhi.

Salmonella enteritidis, which originates from animals and birds, typically thrive in their intestinal tracts and are released through their feces. SE may contaminate eggs once the bacteria found in the feces make its way through cracks in an egg. Similarly, improperly cooked poultry may still be hiding in the bacteria.

Another type, Salmonella Typhi, is often found in water. This Salmonella type can cause typhoid fever. According to data by the Department of Health, typhoid fever ranks among the top 5 foodborne outbreaks in the country as of last 2013.

Meanwhile, Dr. Windell Rivera, a microbiologist, says individuals infected by Salmonellosis may experience other effects after the usual symptoms. "It can cause joint pain and can lead to reactive arthritis or even chronic arthritis."

Reactive arthritis is characterized as joint pains that result from an infection while chronic arthritis is a recurrent type of arthritis inflicting pain on human joints. Joints are known as the bone connectors of the body.

Whereas some experts say symptoms of salmonellosis may typically last from 4-6 days without treatment, in some cases, taking in antibiotics might be suggested by doctors if the infection transfers from the intestines to the bloodstream. But again, the public is advised to seek help from medical experts.

Meanwhile, experts add that people infected by Salmonella are advised to frequently drink fluids