salmonella typhimurium
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Definition
Proper noun A specific serotype (strain) of the Salmonella bacteria, known scientifically as Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. It is a common cause of foodborne illness (gastroenteritis) in humans.
Usage and Examples
- Salmonella Typhimurium is frequently associated with outbreaks linked to contaminated poultry, eggs, and produce.
- The laboratory confirmed the presence of Salmonella Typhimurium in the patient's stool sample.
- Public health officials are tracking a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- In formal scientific and medical writing, the name is often italicized () as is customary for genus and species names. The "Typhimurium" part is the serovar designation.
- It is one of the most prevalent serotypes of reported in cases of human salmonellosis worldwide.
- While it primarily causes self-limiting gastroenteritis, Salmonella Typhimurium can, in rare cases, lead to more severe invasive infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and young children.
Variants and Related Words
- Salmonella (noun): The genus of rod-shaped bacteria. Salmonella Typhimurium is a specific type within this genus.
- Salmonellosis (noun): The disease caused by infection with bacteria, including Salmonella Typhimurium.
- Nontyphoidal Salmonella (noun phrase): A broad category of serotypes that cause gastroenteritis, as opposed to typhoid fever. Salmonella Typhimurium is a key nontyphoidal serotype.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Foodborne pathogen: A microorganism that causes disease transmitted through food. Salmonella Typhimurium is a classic example.
- Enteric bacterium: A bacterium that inhabits the intestines. Salmonella Typhimurium is an enteric pathogen.
Key Distinctions
- Salmonella Typhi vs. Salmonella Typhimurium: These are distinct serotypes. Typhi causes typhoid fever, a severe systemic illness, while Salmonella Typhimurium typically causes acute gastroenteritis (food poisoning).
- Strain vs. Serotype: Salmonella Typhimurium refers to a specific serotype, which is a group within a species sharing distinct surface antigens. Different strains may exist within the Salmonella Typhimurium serotype.
Noun
- a form of salmonella that causes food poisoning in humans