Salmonella infections and hypochlorhydria

Gastric acid provides protection against enteric bacterial pathogens. We reviewed the records of 93 patients with salmonella infections over a 14-year period. Of 65 adults, five had had prior gastrectomy for ulcer disease and one had achlorhydria without gastric surgery. The bactericidal actions of gastric acid against salmonella and other enteric pathogens are no doubt responsible for some protection against infection. Diminished gastric acid secretion should be considered, therefore, in patients with salmonellosis who do not have other conditions that predispose to infection.