Clues to common food poisoning: Salmonella creates environment in human intestines to foster its own growth

The bacteria Salmonella enterica — a common cause of food poisoning — exploits immune response in the human gut to enhance its own reproductive and transmission success, according to new research. The strategy gives Salmonella a growth advantage over the beneficial bacteria that are normally present in the intestinal tract and promotes the severe diarrhea that spreads the bacteria to other people.