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Typhoid Fever
Medical Questions » Typhoid Fever
| Name: Typhoid Fever |
| Also known as: Enteric Fever; Salmonellosis, Intestinal |
| A widespread bacterial infection of the gut and surrounding lymph nodes, including the spleen. Incubation period is 5-14 days. Occurs throughout Asia, Africa and South America. |
Causes of Typhoid Fever
Caught by eating food contaminated with Salmonella typhi bacteria, which pass out in the faeces and urine of those who have the infection or are symptom-free carriers of the bacteria. |
Symptoms of Typhoid Fever
Fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, abdominal pain and constipation. After a day or two, the constipation suddenly gives way to a massive diarrhoea. |
Tests for Typhoid Fever
Diagnosis confirmed by specific blood, urine and faeces tests. |
Treatment for Typhoid Fever
Antibiotics to destroy invading bacteria, steroids to reduce inflammation, a low-residue diet and intravenous fluids. Prevention available as three tablets that give at least six months protection, or injections that give three years protection.
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Complications of Typhoid Fever of its treatment
Massive bleeding into the gut and perforation of the gut, which usually cause the death of the patient. In severe cases, it is possible for the infection to spread to the lungs, brain, kidneys and gall bladder. Bacteria may be almost impossible to eradicate from people who become symptom-free carriers of the disease. |
Likely Outcome of Typhoid Fever
Death occurs in up to 30% of untreated cases, but only in 2% of those who are treated in good facilities. With no treatment, survivors slowly improve after about ten days, but relapses may occur for the next two or three weeks. |
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