web analytics

Description

Typhoid Fever has a long history of human infection, causing the death of many people. While the incidence has decreased with improved hygiene it still is a cause of serious infection, especially in developing countries.


Causative Salmonella species: S. enterica serovar Typhi

 

Exposure: contaminated food or water

 

Incubation period: usually 5-14 days

 

Duration of symptoms: 2-4 weeks

 

Clinical features:

(1) fever

(2) headache

(3) apathy to delirium

(4) gastroenteritis

(5) bacteremia with dissemination to bone marrow, spleen, liver, aorta, bone, and other sites

 

Complications may include:

(1) aortitis

(2) intestinal perforation

(3) GI hemorrhage

(4) encephalopathy or meningitis

(5) pneumonia

(6) DIC

(7) focal abscess

(8) chronic carriage

 

Infections tend to be more severe in immunocompromised patients.

 

Paratyphoid fever is similar but clinically less severe. It is due to S. enterica serovars Paratyphi A, Paratyphi B and Paratyphi C.


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.