Treatment of salmonella enterocolitis

Most cases of Salmonella enterocolitis require only oral rehydration therapy, with the illness being short and self-limiting. Most antibiotics do not influence the course of the disease and may prolong the duration of intestinal carriage.

Consult microbiology advice regarding the use of antibiotic therapy in this condition.

The use of antibiotic treatment for Salmonella enterocolitis is not well supported and there is evidence that inappropriate antibiotic treatment may increase the risk of a carrier state (1).

Note though that the elderly, the immunosuppressed and those with gastric hypochlorhydria are at risk of serious disease or septicaemia

• septicaemia may occur and requires prompt hospitalisation and antibiotic therapy. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have severe illness and develop complications

Reference:

1. Prescriber (2003), 14 (20), 48-60.
2. Pathol Biol (Paris). 1990 Nov;38(9):894-8.
3. PHE (2019). Recommendations for the Public Health Management of Gastrointestinal Infections