From the Research
Yes, typhoid fever can increase calprotectin levels in the body. Calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils and other inflammatory cells during infection or inflammation, and typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, triggers a significant inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. When Salmonella Typhi invades the intestinal mucosa, it causes inflammation and ulceration, particularly in the ileum and colon, leading to neutrophil activation and subsequent release of calprotectin into the intestinal lumen. This elevated calprotectin can be detected in stool samples, which is why fecal calprotectin tests may show increased levels during active typhoid infection.
Key Points
- The most recent study on this topic was published in 2015 1, which found that typhoid fever patients demonstrated a marked increase of S100A8/A9 (calprotectin) in acute phase plasma and feces.
- The study also found that S100A8/A9 directly inhibited the growth of S. Typhimurium and S. Typhi in vitro in a dose and time dependent fashion.
- Other studies have also shown that calprotectin levels are elevated in typhoid fever, but the evidence is not strong enough to support its use as a diagnostic tool 2, 3, 4.
- It's essential to note that elevated calprotectin is not specific to typhoid and can occur in many inflammatory conditions affecting the gut, including inflammatory bowel disease, other bacterial infections, and certain parasitic infections.
- If typhoid is suspected, specific diagnostic tests like blood cultures or serological tests should be performed rather than relying solely on calprotectin levels for diagnosis.
Treatment Options
- The treatment of typhoid fever typically involves the use of antibiotics, such as azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone 5, 3, 4.
- The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the disease, the presence of complications, and the susceptibility of the bacteria to different antibiotics.
- In some cases, a combination of antibiotics may be used to treat typhoid fever 5.