The evaluation of salmonella infection begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with salmonella infection may include:

• Fever
• Abdominal tenderness
• Increased bowel sounds:
• During examination with a stethoscope
• Signs of dehydration

Signs of dehydration include:

• Pale, dry skin
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Decreased urination
• Sunken eyes
• Sunken fontanelle in infants
• Rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure when standing
• Confusion
• Lethargy:
• A condition of excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.

Tests are necessary to make the diagnosis of salmonella infection.

A stool culture can detect:

• Cholera:
• Vibrio cholerae
• Shigella infection
• Campylobacter enteritis
• Cryptosporidium enterocolitis
• Giardiasis
• Pseudomembranous colitis:
• Clostridium difficile
• Salmonella gastroenteritis
• Traveler's diarrhea due to bacterial infection
• E. coli

Tests that may be used to evaluate salmonella infection include:

• Complete blood count
• Liver profile
• Kidney profile