What Bacteria Cause Intestinal Infections or Food Poisoning?
Not all bacteria that grow in the intestines are bad. In fact, some are necessary, and many aid the body with digestion and actually help fight infection. However, other types are less welcome. Salmonella Several different strains of Salmonella (sal-muh-NEH-luh) bacteria can cause illness. The Salmonella typhi (sal-muh-NEH-luh TIE-fee) bacterium causes the most serious illness, typhoid (TIE-foyd) fever, which is common in developing countries. The National Center for Infectious Diseases reports an estimated 12.5 million cases of typhoid fever worldwide each year. In the United States, about 400 cases occur each year, most in people who have traveled to undeveloped countries. Typhoid fever spreads when people eat or drink food or water contaminated with the bacteria. People who are infected may have a high fever, headache, extreme tiredness or weakness, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and sometimes a flat, red rash. A vaccination* for travelers can help prevent typhoid fever, and antibi
