DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Typhoid Fever

HIGH SEVERITY

A life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Spread through contaminated food and water. Causes sustained high fever, abdominal pain, and rose-colored spots. Endemic in areas with poor sanitation. Vaccine-preventable.

Global Affected

11.0M

Countries

23

Symptoms

Sustained high fever (103-104°F)
Headache
Abdominal pain
Constipation or diarrhea
Rose-colored spots on chest
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Enlarged spleen/liver
Cough

Treatment Options

Antibiotics (azithromycin, ceftriaxone, fluoroquinolones)
Hydration
Nutritional support
Hospitalization (severe)
Surgery (intestinal perforation)
Corticosteroids (severe complications)
Vaccination (prevention)

Risk Factors

1Travel to endemic areas
2Contaminated food/water
3Poor sanitation
4Close contact with carrier
5No prior vaccination
6Weakened immune system
7Crowded living conditions

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Blood culture (gold standard)
  • 2Stool culture
  • 3Bone marrow culture
  • 4Widal test (antibodies)
  • 5Typhidot test
  • 6PCR testing

Prognosis

Good with prompt antibiotic treatment. 1% mortality with treatment; 10-20% without. Complications: intestinal perforation, hemorrhage, encephalopathy. Chronic carrier state possible (gallbladder). Relapse can occur.

Prevention

  • Typhoid vaccination (travelers)
  • Safe food/water practices
  • Hand hygiene
  • Avoid raw/undercooked food
  • Drink bottled/boiled water
  • Proper sanitation
  • Identifying and treating carriers

Research Status

Antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, azithromycin, ceftriaxone). Vaccines available but not fully protective. Increasing antibiotic resistance. Typhoid conjugate vaccine for children. Research on improved vaccines and drug resistance ongoing.

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever
  • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/typhoid-fever

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.