Main Research Findings

Twelve studies involving 778 participants (with at least 258 infants and children) were included. 1

There was no significant difference in the duration of illness, diarrhea, or fever between any antibiotic regimen and placebo. 1

Treatment Summary

There appears to be no evidence of a clinical benefit of antibiotic therapy in otherwise healthy children and adults with non-severe salmonella diarrhea. 1

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Antibiotics resulted in more negative cultures during the first week of treatment. 1

Risk Summary

Relapses were more frequent in those receiving antibiotics, and there were more cases with positive cultures in the antibiotic groups after three weeks. 1

Adverse drug reactions were more common in the antibiotic groups. 1

Comparison Between Studies

Similarities in Studies

All studies were conducted on adults and children who had symptoms of salmonella diarrhea. 1

Differences in Studies

The types of antibiotics used, the age of the participants, and the types of salmonella bacteria varied across the studies. 1

Consistency and Contradictions in Results

The results of these studies suggest that antibiotics may not be clinically effective for non-severe salmonella diarrhea in otherwise healthy children and adults. 1

However, there was some variation in the specific effects and side effects of antibiotics across the studies, and more research is needed. 1

Considerations for Applying Findings in Real Life

It is important to carefully assess the individual patient's condition before prescribing antibiotics for adults and children who have symptoms of salmonella diarrhea. 1

Antibiotic therapy may be necessary for patients with severe salmonella infection, older adults, immunocompromised patients, and pregnant women. 1

If there are complications, such as dehydration, appropriate support is needed. 1

Limitations of Current Research

One limitation of these studies is that the number of patients in each study was relatively small. 1

Also, the types of antibiotics used and the dosage were different across the studies, so caution is needed when generalizing the results. 1

Future Directions for Research

Larger-scale research is needed on the effects of antibiotics for adults and children with symptoms of salmonella diarrhea. 1

Furthermore, research should consider the type of antibiotics, dosage, type of salmonella bacteria, and patient age and underlying health conditions. 1

Conclusion

Antibiotics may not be clinically effective for non-severe salmonella diarrhea in otherwise healthy children and adults. 1

However, since antibiotics have a risk of side effects, it is important to carefully assess the individual patient's condition before prescribing antibiotics for patients with salmonella diarrhea. 1

If you have symptoms of salmonella diarrhea, make sure to stay hydrated, rest, and consult a doctor. 1

Treatment List

• Antibiotics
• Hydration
• Rest