What clinical signs are common with a Salmonella infection?

A Salmonella infection is primarily associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, and one of the hallmark signs is diarrhea, which can be severe and may contain fibrin and blood in more serious cases. This is due to the bacteria's ability to invade the intestinal mucosa and cause inflammation, leading to a disruption in normal gut function.

Leukopenia is also a common finding in cases of severe Salmonella infections, especially when there is a significant inflammatory response occurring. The body's immune response to the bacterial infection can lead to a drop in white blood cells as they are utilized to combat the infection. Understanding these signs helps in diagnosing the infection accurately.

While Salmonella can cause a variety of symptoms, the other options listed do not typically align with the more common clinical signs associated with this particular bacterial infection. Neurological impairment, fever and cough, and swollen feet and joints are signs that may be seen in other diseases or infections, but they are not characteristic of an infection specifically caused by Salmonella. Therefore, recognizing the gastrointestinal symptoms along with the inflammatory response is crucial for proper identification and treatment.