Salmonella enterica

Definition

Salmonella enterica is a gram-negative bacterium that causes diseases in humans and animals, typically through contaminated food or water. It is known for causing gastrointestinal infections and can lead to severe systemic illnesses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salmonella enterica uses type III secretion systems (T3SS) to inject virulence factors into host cells, promoting infection.
2. It has multiple serotypes, including S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, which are common culprits in foodborne illnesses.
3. Salmonella enterica can survive acidic environments like the stomach by using acid tolerance response mechanisms.
4. The bacterium adheres to and invades intestinal epithelial cells, leading to inflammation and diarrheal disease.
5. Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern with Salmonella enterica, making some infections difficult to treat.

Review Questions

Related terms

Pathogenicity:

The ability of an organism to cause disease.

Type III Secretion System (T3SS): A needle-like protein appendage used by some bacteria to inject toxins into host cells.

Serotype: A distinct variation within a species of bacteria or virus, identified by specific surface antigens.