Overview of Salmonella Spp, Its Structure, Reproduction Process, and Symptoms

Salmonella bacteria is a rod-shape motile bacterium. Its structure contains: Flagellum tail-like structure that allows the bacteria to swim/move around in liquid environment by moving the tail in wave motion. Cell wall that allows the bacteria to keep its shape rounded tube shape. DNA contains genetic code which is made out of protein and acts like a brain of the cell as it allows it to build and maintain the functions and structures of the bacteria. Capsule is a shell that covers the whole bacteria and protects it from any damage. Plasma membrane allows any nutrients or waste that’s in the bacteria to move through the cell. Ribosomes are used in structure of the bacteria to produce protein than its then used for functions such as repairing any damages in the structure of bacteria.

CDC estimates Salmonella bacteria cause about 1. 35 million infections, 26, 500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the United States every year. Food is the source for most of these illnesses.

Salmonella as many other bacteria reproduces asexually, what means that the bacteria inherits the genes from the salmonella and becomes a copy of it. The reproduction process has 3 main parts.

1. The cell copies DNA, chromosomes move to another end of the cell.
2. Cell wall and membrane divide into two.
3. When DNA is copied, cells separate.

The most common way of transmission for salmonella is by food. For example, salmonella can be found in products as eggs because the eggs come from a hen and they’re going through hens’ body the same way that feces go. However, eggs are not the only place where salmonella is found. As salmonella mainly comes from animals feces it can also be found in fruits and vegetables. Salmonella can also be found in raw sprouts, that is way it is recommended for children, elderly people, pregnant women or people with weak immune system to avoid raw sprouts. Instead they’re recommended to eat them cooked as high temperature while cooking can kill the bacteria.

The clinical signs of salmonella can be: High temperature. The animal will feel dehydrated a lot because of vomiting and diarrhea what will make it drink more water. Weight loss might also occur. It can also cause anorexia. The animal can vomit a lot what will result in general weakness in the body. If the animal is pregnant, the salmonella bacteria can result in miscarriage. Salmonella can also cause skin diseases. It can also cause an abnormal heart rate.