What is Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a disease primarily caused by Salmonella typhi. It is considered a public health problem. This is especially the case in overpopulated, developing countries, with poor hygiene and sanitation. This disease primarily affects the digestive system but may become a systemic illness that affects different body organs and can lead to death. It is important to watch out for typhoid fever causes, to help prevent spread of the disease.
Causes of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever may be treated with medications like antibiotics. It can lead to severe complications and death if left untreated. Here is how typhoid fever occurs and how it is transmitted.
Causative agent: Salmonella typhi
Salmonella typhi is a bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family, a major cause of foodborne illnesses in humans.
People from developing countries may acquire the bacteria through contaminated water, undercooked food, and poor sanitation.
Modes of transmission
Oral transmission
Salmonella typhi can be found in water and food sources that have been contaminated with feces. Sewage, waste water, and crop irrigation may contain Salmonella and other harmful bacteria which can be carried by animals like shellfish (e.g. shrimp, crabs, mussels) and be present on vegetables like lettuce and cabbage. If water is not decontaminated and filtered or food is not thoroughly washed and cooked, the bacteria can directly enter the body through the oral (mouth) route.
Fecal-oral route
After ingesting contaminated food or water, Salmonella typhi bacteria makes its way into the intestinal tract, grows, and is shed through feces (stool). Carriers, regardless if they have symptoms or not, can transmit the bacteria to surfaces, objects, and other people if they go to the toilet or handle excrements (e.g. diapers) and do not thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Typhoid Carriers
People infected with typhoid fever undergo treatment and recovery, but 4% of patients continue to carry the bacteria even after treatment. Despite being asymptomatic, they are still capable of infecting others through direct contact because they continue to shed the bacteria in their feces. Most of these patients are women and people with biliary abnormalities.
Risk Factors
Cases of typhoid fever have been recorded in India, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, and other areas. This disease affects an estimated 11 to 21 million people each year.
The following are risk factors for catching typhoid fever:
- Working or traveling in countries where typhoid fever is prevalent
- Direct contact with the bacteria or someone infected with typhoid fever
- Consuming contaminated food or drinks
- Lack of sanitation and poor hygiene
Symptoms
The symptoms of typhoid fever include fever, fatigue, and abdominal pain. High fever ranging from 39.5 to 40.5°C.
Other symptoms include diarrhea (bloody or non-bloody) or constipation, muscle aches, sweating, dry cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, and rashes.
Complications
Untreated typhoid fever may lead to other conditions, such as severe intestinal hemorrhaging, intestinal perforation, peritonitis, sepsis and organ damage. If the disease worsens, it may lead to death.
Treatments
Immediate treatment is advisable to prevent the spread of bacteria. However, the treatment applicable depends on the severity of the disease.
Usual treatments and preventive measures include the following:
- Antibiotic therapy
- Vaccination
- Improved sanitation and hygiene
- Identification and treatment of chronic carriers
Key Takeaway
Typhoid fever is one of many food-borne diseases caused by the Salmonella bacteria. It spreads through contact with infected people and contaminated food items. Fortunately, this disease has available treatments. However, if left untreated, the risk of developing complications is high, which might result in death.
Learn more about Infectious Diseases here.
