Salmonella enteritidis
S.enteritidis is the disease causing species that causes salmonellosis. S.enteritidis is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria.
S.enteritidis species are like E.coli and can be considered the big brother of Salmonella. They are similar because they cause infection in the same ways. Especially via the fecal-oral route. Salmonella is also thought to be one of the major causes of traveler’s diarrhoea.
E.coli are tougher than Salmonella because they can survive harsher conditions. Such as higher temperatures, lower moisture and higher salt contents.
Food microbiologists say that if there is E.coli present you are likely to have Salmonella as well. But this does not mean that we shouldn’t be concerned about Salmonella.In fact this bacteria is most infamous for contamination of eggs rather than red meats and in the gut.
Chocolate has also had cases of contaminated with S.enteritidis. In general we expect E.coli to be present in red meats, and Salmonella in chicken. Yet, E.coli is also present in chicken as well as fruits and vegetables. So focusing on eradicating E.coli will usually address Salmonella as well.
Salmonellosis is likely one of the most common forms of food poisoning throughout the world.
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