Salmonella Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🐟
salmonella
[ˌsælməˈnɛlə ]
Definition
bacterial infection
Salmonella refers to a group of bacteria that can cause food poisoning in humans. It is commonly found in raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and dairy products, and it can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, salmonella infections can result in hospitalization or death.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The outbreak of salmonella was traced back to the contaminated eggs.
- Most cases of salmonella are self-limiting and do not require treatment.
- Proper cooking can kill salmonella bacteria in food.
- She was hospitalized due to a severe salmonella infection.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'salmonella'
The word 'salmonella' is derived from the name of Theobald Smith, an American bacteriologist, who first identified the bacteria in 1885, along with Daniel Elmer Salmon, a veterinary pathologist, to whom it was erroneously attributed. This group of bacteria was initially connected to pig diseases, which is why it was named after Salmon. The term was officially introduced in scientific literature by the early 20th century as a way to categorize the different serotypes within this genus. Salmonella has since become a significant concern in public health, especially concerning foodborne illnesses.