Salmonellae are widely distributed in nature. The main reservoir of these bacteria is the intestinal tract of men and warm-and cold-blooded animals, except for fish, mollusks and crustaceans, which may get contaminated after being fished.
Salmonella also can be found in soil, water, raw food, and the bowel movements (poop) of some animals, including reptiles like turtles and snakes. Zoonotic salmonellae are commonly described as foodborne pathogens, however, drinking water as well as natural waters are known to be an important source for the transmission of these enteric microorganisms.
Some kids get sick because of a pet or other animal. If poop gets on the animal's skin, the bacteria will get on the skin, too. Then if a person touches the animal, she can get the bacteria and might develop salmonellosis.
The natural habitat of Salmonella may be divided into three categories based on the specificity of the host and clinical pattern of the disease:
*highly adapted to men: Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A, B and C, agents of typhoid fever;
*highly adapted to animals: Salmonella Dublin (bovines), Salmonella Choleraesuis and Salmonella Typhisuis (swine), Salmonella Pullorum and Salmonella Gallinarum (birds), responsible for animal paratyphoid.
*The third category includes most of the serovars that affect men and animals, called zoonotic Salmonella, responsible for worldwide-distributed foodborne diseases, and detected in most species of animals used for human consumption, wild and domestic animals.
Habitat of salmonella
