From the Research
Yes, a patient can present with high fecal calprotectin levels after a typhoid infection. Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, triggers intestinal inflammation that can persist for weeks to months after the acute infection resolves. This ongoing inflammation in the gut mucosa can lead to elevated fecal calprotectin, which is a protein released by neutrophils during inflammatory processes in the intestines. The elevation may remain detectable during the recovery phase as the intestinal lining heals from the damage caused by the infection.
According to a study published in 2020 1, fecal calprotectin levels can be significantly elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and this biomarker can be used to identify IBD patients in all age groups. Although this study does not specifically focus on typhoid infection, it highlights the role of fecal calprotectin as a marker of intestinal inflammation.
Patients recovering from typhoid should be aware that calprotectin levels might take time to normalize, sometimes 4-8 weeks after clinical improvement. If levels remain persistently elevated beyond this period, further evaluation may be warranted to rule out other causes of intestinal inflammation or complications from the typhoid infection. During recovery, maintaining good hydration, following a gentle diet, and completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics (typically ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily for 7-14 days, azithromycin 500mg daily for 7 days, or ceftriaxone 2g daily for severe cases) are essential for proper healing of the intestinal mucosa.
Some key points to consider in the management of typhoid infection and its complications include:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of typhoid fever to prevent complications such as intestinal perforation
- Prompt surgical intervention in cases of intestinal perforation, as highlighted in a study published in 2007 2
- Prevention of typhoid fever through vaccination, improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene, as emphasized in a scoping review published in 2020 3
- Monitoring for postoperative morbidity and mortality in cases of typhoid intestinal perforation, with reported mortality rates ranging from 4.6-75% in sub-Saharan Africa 3.
Overall, the management of typhoid infection and its complications requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and prevention strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality.