Infection processes of a non-typhoid Salmonella infection in humans are not well understood and so far, only little research has been conducted in this area. Findings from preclinical studies, using mouse models, attributed a fundamental role in infection control to the gut microbiota and the host immune system (antibody response). In mouse models a non-typhoid Salmonella infection provokes a pronounced antibody response and salmonella-inflicted gut inflammation alters the microbiota diversity and composition in the gut lumen. To date there is only scarce evidence on similar effects in humans.~During the study, longitudinal stool and blood samples will be collected from patients with a non-typhoid Salmonella infection at different study time points (2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 months after positive Salmonella stool culture) and analyzed for changes in the microbiota, mutation rates in the Salmonella strains and the specific immune response evoked by the infection (e.g. anti-bodies). At each study time point clinical information will be investigated with a questionnaire to assess current symptoms, medication etc. Findings will be compared to healthy individuals and patients with acute, infectious diarrhea caused by other microorganisms than non-typhoid Salmonella.
Stool and blood samples from patients with a non-typhoid Salmonella infection will be collected during an observation period of six months and analyzed for changes in the microbiota diversity and composition, mutation rates in the Salmonella strains and the specific immune response evoked by the infection. Findings are compared to healthy individuals and individuals with acute, infectious diarrhea caused by other microorganisms.