From the Guidelines
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi that primarily affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream, characterized by high fever, abdominal pain, headache, and weakness, and can be treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone, depending on antibiotic resistance patterns, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Characteristics of Typhoid Fever
- Caused by Salmonella Typhi
- Affects the intestinal tract and occasionally the bloodstream
- Characterized by high fever, abdominal pain, headache, and weakness
- Spreads through contaminated food and water or close contact with infected individuals
Treatment and Management
- Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (500mg twice daily for 7-10 days), azithromycin (500mg once daily for 7 days), or ceftriaxone (1-2g daily for 10-14 days) depending on antibiotic resistance patterns, as recommended by the World Health Organization 1
- Supportive care with hydration and fever management is also important
- Without treatment, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications including intestinal perforation or bleeding
Prevention Measures
- Vaccination for those traveling to endemic areas, as recommended by the Infectious Diseases Society of America 1
- Proper handwashing
- Consuming only safe food and water
- Avoiding raw vegetables or unpeeled fruits in high-risk regions
- The bacteria can persist in some treated individuals who become asymptomatic carriers, capable of spreading the infection to others, which explains why proper diagnosis and complete treatment courses are essential, as noted in a study on the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea 1
From the Research
Definition of Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which is usually spread through contaminated food or water. The symptoms of typhoid fever include fever, headache, and abdominal pain.
Causes and Transmission
- Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- The bacterium is usually spread through contaminated food or water 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Poor sanitation and hygiene can contribute to the spread of typhoid fever 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Treatment and Management
- Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin are commonly used antibiotics to treat typhoid fever 2, 3, 5, 6
- Ceftriaxone is also used as a treatment option, especially in cases of multidrug-resistant typhoid fever 4, 6
- Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, and the choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the infection and the presence of any antibiotic resistance 2, 3, 4, 5, 6