What is the pathogen of salmonella?

Salmonella is a gram-negative bacteria pathogen; it is formed by a facultative anaerobic intracellular organism. These microorganisms form smooth rod-shape bacteria, approximately 0.5 micron x 2 microns, they attach together in pairs, chains, or by forming in spherical shaped colony. There are over 2,300 forms/types of Salmonella and NOT all are pathogenic. Salmonella bacteria can live out-side the body for weeks, with or without oxygen. Two common forms of this microorganism are Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis; these two varieties cause more than half of the salmonella infections each year.

As stated above, Salmonella is a pathogenic(infectious)microorganism that occurs naturally in many varieties of foods; it is more commonly found in foods that are raw or undercooked. The bacterium grows naturally in eggs and poultry. Additionally, salmonella bacteria can be found in fish, shellfish, other meats, raw milk and other milk products; it has also been found in fruit juices, honey, peanut butter, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, Serrano peppers, spinach, melons … (FYI: Salmonella has also shown up in dry pet foods.)