ABOUT TYPHOID
Typhoid, also known as typhoid fever is a life threatening disease that is caused due to an infection by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) almost 21.5 million people in developing countries contract typhoid each year. Here are a few common questions about the disease answered:
CAUSES
Typhoid is one of the most common communicable diseases in India that is caused by the bacteriumSalmonella typhi. Also called as enteric fever or typhoid fever, it spreads easily through contaminated water, unhygienic food and drinks.
The bacterium is carried by the infected people in their intestine and bloodstream and it passes through the urine and feces. The infection is usually spread when sewage water gets mixed with drinking water and it is consumed or when an individual consumes any food or water handled by an infected person.
SYMPTOMS
It usually takes 1 to 3 weeks time for patients to develop typhoid symptoms after exposure to the bacteria. The duration of the disease is 3 to 4 weeks depending upon the severity of the disease (mild or severe) with the normal incubation time is 7 to 14 days. The symptoms are –
- Headaches
- Constipation or diarrhea
- High fever (103 degree F)
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Enlarged spleen & liver
- Rose-colored spots on the chest
- Chest congestion
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Generalized pain and weakness
Here is a detailed information on seven warning symptoms of typhoid
DIAGNOSIS
Your medical professional will conduct a thorough physical examination to look out for the symptoms and based on it the clinical tests required to undergo will be recommended. Also, a detailed travel as well as medical history will be conducted by your doctor to assess your exposure to the bacteria.
- CBC – If you are suffering from the disease, your complete blood count will show an increased white blood cell (WBC) count.
- Blood culture – Blood culture done during the initial phase of the disease (in the first week) shows S. typhibacteria.
- ELISA – A recent diagnostic test, ELISA urine test is done to look out for the bacteria causing the disease.
- Fluorescent antibody study – In this study, any substances that are specific to the bacterium are looked for.
- Platelet Count – Platelet count in case of the person affected by the disease is usually low.
- Stool culture – It is done to determine the presence of the bacterium in the feces.
Value of a single Widal test in the diagnosis of typhoid fever.
Results of a single Widal test in patients with bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever (116), clinically suggestive but culture negative fever (170) and non-typhoidal febrile illness (98) and in normal control children (54) were analysed. Positive Widal test (antibody titre against S. typhi O antigen of 1:160) was recorded in 61.2 per cent of patients with bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever and in 58.8 per cent with culture negative but clinically suggestive typhoid fever. In contrast, the same titre was observed in 10.2 per cent patients with other febrile illnesses of known etiology and in 1.8 per cent of normal children. Differences in the positivity of Widal test in patients with bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever and clinically suggestive but culture negative fever were highly significant (P < 0.000001) when compared to that of patients with non-typhoidal febrile illnesses and normal controls. High specificity and positive predictive value in 1:160 dilution makes the Widal test acceptable as a diagnostic tool.
TREATMENT
1- Antibiotics such as (ciproflaxin 500 mg 1x2 , or ceftriaxone 1000mg 1x2 long 14 days ) are generally prescribed to kill the bacteria. However, long-term use of these drugs have made some of the bacteria antibiotic-resistant and hence, your medical professional will go through current options before choosing one.
2- azithromycin 500mg 1x1 long 10 days
3- to relieve symptoms used : panadol 1x2
Additional treatment options include drinking lots of fluids (uncontaminated ones) to keep one hydrated and having diet rich in nutrients. Read about the latest break through in typhoid research:.
COMPLICATIONS
Possible complications that may result include –
- Kidney failure
- Severe GI bleeding
- Intestinal perforation
- Peritonitis
PREVENTION
Typhoid can be easily prevented by following some simple tips –
- Ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation will definitely shield you against getting infected by the bacteria.
- Persistent hand washing to keep the bacteria at bay.
- Careful preparation of food as the bacteria spreads with feces coming in contact with drinking water and food.
- Consume hot and fresh foods as high temperature hinders the growth of bacteria.
- Avoid eating raw veggies and fruits & also drinking untreated or contaminated water.
- Keep all your household items (especially in the kitchen) properly clean and sanitized.
- In case you are travelling to any part of the world that put you at high risk of getting infected with typhoid then vaccination is the best option available.
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