Can it be prevented?

Many HIV-positive people with suppressed immune systems take TMP-SMX (Bactrim, Septra) to prevent Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) if their CD4-cell counts are below 200. Fortunately, TMP-SMX can also help prevent salmonellosis and shigellosis, thus people who are already taking this drug are much less likely to become sick if they are exposed to Salmonella or Shigella .

There are also some simple tips that can help prevent being exposed to bacteria that can cause diarrhea. These include:

	Washing your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling foods, after using the bathroom or changing a baby's diaper, and after contact with animals.
	Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, wash their hands properly.
	Purchase only inspected eggs, animal food products and pasteurized milk.
	Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping onto other foods.
	Refrigerate foods promptly.
	Defrost meats in the refrigerator—do not defrost them at room temperature.
	Wash cutting boards and counters used for meat or poultry preparation immediately after use to avoid cross contaminating other foods.
	Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats and eggs, particularly when using a microwave oven.
	Never prepare food for other people if you have diarrhea.
	Do not swim in pools or lakes if you have diarrhea.
	Practice safer oral-anal sex. If a dental dam is used properly during oral-anal sex, there is a significantly lower risk for contracting Campylobacter or Shigella from someone with these infections. A dental dam is a piece of plastic or latex that is lad over the anus prior to oral-anal contact. Ordinary plastic wrap can be used as a dental damn, as long as it is not the microwavable kind, which is porous.
	HIV-positive people who travel to economically developing countries should be cautious with food, beverages and tap water. It is best to avoid raw fruits and vegetables, undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy products, and foods and beverages from street vendors. Also avoid drinking tap water and ice made with tap water.

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