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Typhoid Fever

What is Typhoid Fever?

  • Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi. It mainly spreads through contaminated food and water and can become life-threatening without proper treatment.
  • It is more common in regions with poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water, especially parts of South Asia, Africa, and developing countries.

Causes of Typhoid Fever

  • Caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi)
  • Drinking contaminated water
  • Eating contaminated food
  • Poor hygiene and sanitation
  • Not washing hands after using the toilet
  • Contact with infected individuals or carriers

Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

  • Blood culture
  • Stool test
  • Urine test
  • Bone marrow test

Symptoms of Typhoid Fever

  • Gradually increasing high fever
  • Headache
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Stomach (abdominal) pain
  • Muscle aches
  • Loss of appetite

Treatment of Typhoid Fever

  • Antibiotics (primary treatment): Fluoroquinolones, Cephalosporins, Macrolides, Carbapenems

Prevention of Typhoid Fever

  • Injectable vaccine
  • Oral capsule vaccine
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