Salmonellosis Meaning: Definition and Examples

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salmonellosis

[ˌsælməˈnɛloʊsɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

Salmonellosis is an infection caused by Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria can be found in undercooked meat, raw eggs, and unwashed fruits and vegetables. Symptoms often include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and typically last between 4 to 7 days.

Synonyms

food poisoning, salmonella infection.

Examples of usage

  • She was diagnosed with salmonellosis after eating undercooked chicken.
  • The outbreak of salmonellosis was traced back to contaminated eggs.
  • Salmonellosis can be prevented by properly cooking food and practicing good hygiene.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Salmonellosis is caused by bacteria, which are tiny living things that can make you sick when they invade your body.
  • There are over 2,500 different types of Salmonella bacteria, but not all cause illness; some are harmless.
  • Common sources of the bacteria include raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and unwashed fruits and vegetables.

Public Health

  • Salmonellosis is one of the most common foodborne illnesses globally, affecting millions each year.
  • Proper cooking and hygiene practices can drastically reduce the risk of salmonellosis outbreaks.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) monitors and studies outbreaks to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Cultural Impact

  • Salmonellosis has influenced food safety regulations and standards, leading to safer food handling practices in restaurants and homes.
  • It has inspired numerous public health campaigns focusing on the importance of washing hands and cooking food thoroughly.

Symptoms

  • Common symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, which typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection.
  • Most people recover without treatment within a week, but some may require medical attention, especially young children and the elderly.

Origin of 'salmonellosis'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from 'Salmonella,' named after the American bacteriologist Theobald Smith, who discovered the bacteria.
  • The suffix '-osis' is used in medical terminology to indicate a condition or disease, often chronic.

The term 'salmonellosis' originates from the name 'Salmonella', which itself was named after Theobald Smith, who first identified the bacteria in 1885 while working on a study on hog cholera. The name 'Salmonella' was later designated in honor of Dr. Daniel Elmer Salmon, who was involved in the study of animal diseases and conducted research on the bacteria in the early 19th century. The suffix '-osis' indicates a pathological condition, thus combining the name of the bacteria with the Greek suffix to convey an infection caused by it. Salmonella species can be found in the intestines of animals, and human salmonellosis typically occurs from consumption of contaminated food. Over the years, numerous outbreaks have highlighted the importance of food safety and proper cooking techniques to prevent infections among the general population. Salmonellosis has since been recognized as a significant public health concern worldwide, prompting the establishment of stricter regulations and educational campaigns in the food industry.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,388 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.