Fever Typhoid

Typhoid fever is an infection that causes diarrhea and a rash, most commonly due to a type of bacteria called Salmonella typhi (S. typhi). Its Alternative Name is Enteric fever.

Typhoid Fever

Causes of Fever Typhoid 

The bacteria that cause typhoid fever (S. typhi) spreads through contaminated food, drink, or water. If you eat or drink something that is contaminated, the bacteria enter your body. They travel into your intestines, and then into your bloodstream, where they can get to your lymph nodes, gallbladder, liver, spleen, and other parts of your body. A few people can become carriers of S. typhi and continue to release the bacteria in their stools for years, spreading the disease. Typhoid fever is common in developing countries.

Fever Typhoid Symptoms

Early symptoms include fever, general ill-feeling and abdominal pain. A high (typically over 103 degrees Fahrenheit) fever and severe diarrhea occur as the disease gets worse.

Some people with typhoid fever develop a rash called “rose spots,” which are small red spots on the abdomen and chest.

Other symptoms that occur include:

·      Abdominal tenderness

·      Agitation

·      Bloody stools

·      Chills

·      Confusion

·      Difficulty paying attention (attention deficit)

·      Delirium

·      Fluctuating mood

·      Hallucinations

·      Nosebleeds

·      Severe fatigue

·      Slow, sluggish, lethargic feeling

·      Weakness

Typhoid Fever – Exams and Tests

1.  A complete blood count (CBC) will show a high number of white blood cells.
2. A blood culture during the first week of the fever can show S. typhi bacteria.
3. Other tests that can help diagnose this condition include:
4. ELISA urine test to look for the bacteria that cause Typhoid fever
5. Fluorescent antibody study to look for substances that are specific to Typhoid bacteria
6. Platelet count (platelet count will be low)
7. Stool culture

 Typhoid Fever – Possible Complications                                                                              

1. Intestinal hemorrhage (severe GI bleeding)
2. Intestinal  perforation                                                                          
3.  Kidney failure
4.  Peritonitis

Typhoid Fever – Outlook (Prognosis)

Symptoms usually improve in 2 to 4 weeks with treatment. The outcome is likely to be good with early treatment, but becomes poor if complications develop.

Symptoms may return if the treatment has not completely cured the infection.

Typhoid Fever – Treatment