Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhoid, usually transmitted by food or water. Characterized by high fevers, weakness, abdominal pain, and sometimes a rash, if not properly treated, typhoid can cause severe complications. The proper level of sanitation and vaccination, in conjunction with early antibiotic treatment, is the key to prevention and management. You should go to the hospital immediately if you have been having symptoms or have recently visited a country that has had more than the usual number of cases of typhoid fever to avert life-threatening health issues. Want to explore medical devices for the procedure kindly visit at www.gstc.com.

Typhoid symptoms

High Fever: high temperature, frequently reaching as high as 103-104°F (39-40°C).
Headache: Constant and often severe headache.
Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the region of the abdomen.
Weakness: General feeling of weakness and fatigue.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea or constipation may be present.
Rose Spots: Tiny pink spots on the abdomen and chest.
Spleen and Liver Enlargement: Swelling or tenderness in these areas.
Confusion: In severe conditions, there may be mental confusion or delirium.

Reason for Typhoid

Adulterate Food and Water: Usually, the bacteria enter food or water due to contamination from an infected person’s feces. This normally occurs in regions with bad sanitation and less properly treated water

Nattiness:Lack of clean drinking water, faulty sewage systems, and poor hygiene contribute to the spreading of bacteria.

Person-to-Person Transmission: A carrier or a person who has the Salmonella typhi infection can transfer the bacteria through direct contact with an individual, especially when the standard of personal hygiene is low.

Carrier Individuals: Some carriers have Salmonella typhoid in the gallbladder, but instead of being sick, they become a reservoir of bacteria and can carry them to other people.

Typhoid vaccine

There are two main types of vaccines available: the inactivated vaccine and the live attenuated vaccine.

Inactivated Vaccine: This is given to individuals above the age of two as an injection and consists of killed Salmonella typhi bacteria. It provides protection for two to three years. This vaccine is administered to travelers who go to places where typhoid fever occurs frequently and those who are at risk.
live attenuated vaccine : The live attenuated vaccine is taken orally and includes an attenuated form of Salmonella typhi. It comes as a series of capsules. In general, it is recommended for people six years of age and older and gives protection for about five years. This vaccine is also indicated for travelers and persons who live in, work in, or visit areas with high rates of typhoid fever.

Typhoid Diagnosis and treament

Diagnosis of Typhoid

Clinical Assessment: The diagnosis is usually initiated through history and physical examination, whereby healthcare professionals look for common complaints of typhoid fever, such as fever lasting more than a week, abdominal pains, and gastrointestinal complications.
Blood Culture: This is the gold standard for the diagnosis of typhoid fever. Culture is done to identify Salmonella typhi from a blood sample. Results may take several days.
Widal Test: This is a serological test that determines the titres of antibodies against Salmonella typhi. Though useful, it has its limitations and at times may be either false positive or negative.
Stool or Urine Cultures: Cultures of stool or urine may also demonstrate the offending bacteria, especially in those cases where there are gastrointestinal symptoms.
Imaging: If complications like enlargement of liver or spleen are suspected, imaging studies such as ultrasound may be done.

Treatment of Typhoid

Antibiotics: The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics against Salmonella typhi. Some common antimicrobials include:
Ceftriaxone: Severe disease; given intravenously
Azithromycin: An alternative to the above, especially in highly resistant areas
Ciprofloxacin: It is rather effective, but there is growing resistance against this agent in some areas.
Supportive Care: Keeping the patient well-hydrated with fluids and electrolytes, antipyretics to maintain a normal body temperature, and good rest.
Hospitalization: This may be required in severe cases or those with complications to provide intensive care including intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring.
Surgical Intervention: This is rarely indicated but may be required in cases with complications like intestinal perforation.

Typhoid Fever