Final answer:
Nontyphoidal Salmonella, usually caused by serotypes of S. enterica other than Typhi, results in salmonellosis. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and fever, and these often resolve within a month. Severe cases can lead to dehydration and weight loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nontyphoidal Salmonella, primarily caused by serotypes other than S. typhi, leads to a condition known as salmonellosis. Salmonellosis, a form of food poisoning, presents with a variety of symptoms. The most common of these include watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. These signs of infection are typically self-limiting, resolving within a few days to a month. However, severe cases, especially in immunocompromised individuals, can result in complications such as dehydration, significant weight loss, and in some cases, hospitalization.
While S. enterica serovar Typhi is associated with typhoid fever, a more severe and systemic illness, other serotypes are generally associated with the less severe salmonellosis which affects the intestinal tract. Complications from these nontyphoidal strains are less common but can still lead to chronic conditions, such as arthritis or nervous system damage.
It is important to differentiate between typhoid fever and other forms of salmonellosis due to their varying levels of severity and treatment protocols. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides updated information on Salmonella and recommends practices for prevention and treatment of the infection.