Salmonella and E. coli are bacteria and top 2 causes of food poisoning in the world. They are similar bacteria, salmonella evolved from E. coli about a million years ago, which explains their same means of transmission and common symptoms. But, they are different as E. coli is much more heterogeneous compared to salmonella, and therefore has more dangerous effects.

Salmonella causes Salmonellosis which is one of the world’s common infections of food poisoning with tens of millions of cases reported annually. Salmonella infections are more common in the summer than the winter because it grows faster in higher temperatures. Infections from salmonella can cause fever, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain. Although most people get better on their own within 4-7 days, make sure you see a doctor if your case is severe.

Escherichia coli (E. coli), is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines and sometimes gut of some animals. Although most types of E. coli are harmless, some species are pretty harmful and can cause infections like food poisoning, fever, adult kidney failure, seizures, pneumonia, and urinary tract diseases. Although most people get better within 10 days, some severe cases can extend beyond that. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is best you seek professional help.

Common causes:

Both Salmonella and E. coli are present in the intestines and feces of both humans and animals and they both require ingestion for infection to be initiated.

Common ways of infections include: