Typhoid is a systemic infectious disease. It is caused by gram-negative rods of the genus Salmonella typhi. Theoretically, it can be infected all over the world. In highly developed countries, however, it is a very rare disease. Its main focuses are Africa, Southeast Asia and the Far East.
The ways of spreadingtyphoid- acute infectious disease - can be different. Most often, bacteria of the genusSalmonella typhispread via:
- insects , mainly flies, pubic lice,
- contaminatedwater(especially from natural watercourses and reservoirs in disease endemic areas),
- contaminatedfood products(mainly dairy products, fruit, vegetables and meat),
- carriersor sick people after direct contact with them.
Typhoid: Symptoms
The breeding period for typhoid bacteria is from10 to 14 days . During this time, those that have already penetrated the gastrointestinal tract settle in the ileum (lower section of the small intestine) and through the intestinal epithelium penetrate the lymphatic system of the attacked organism, where they start reproducing. Later, they get to the liver with the blood, and they soak there again.
Produced by bacteriaendotoxindamages the nervous system, parenchymal organs (e.g. liver, spleen) and even the heart muscle. Additionally, it can also cause intestinal inflammation and necrosis.
Initially, the patient develops a slight fever. Soon after that, there are headaches, a general malaise, weakness in the body and loss of appetite. The liver, spleen and lymph nodes may be enlarged.
After about 6 days, the fever stabilizes at39-40 ° C , and after 10 days, pale pink spots (rash) called appear on the chest and abdomenmajor rubellawhich disappear after a few days. However, there are small discolorations on the skin.
After about4 weeks,typhoid begins to subside. The most important thing, however, is whether the patient has any complications. The most dangerous complication of typhoid fever isbowel perforationand itsobstruction . Less common are:
- nephritis,
- pneumonia,
- cholecystitis,
- meningitis.
In addition to ordinary typhoid fever, there is a risk of contractingwith A, B, Csticks. The result of the infection is a disease with a similar course, but milder consequences and shorter duration.
Typhoid - diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing the disease is relatively easy. It can be done on the basis of a blood test (performed in the first week of illness) or urine, stool and sputum tests. After isolating theSalmonella typhibacteria, you can be sure that you will have typhoid fever. Additionally, the diagnosis of typhoid fever can be confirmed by the presence of:
- thrombocytopenia,
- leukopenia,
- anemia.
During treatment, appropriate antibiotics and fluids are used to replenish water and electrolytes in the patient's body.
Typhoid - how not to get infected?
In the case of typhoid fever, it is worth taking care of prophylaxis. Before leaving for typhoid endemic countries, you canget vaccinated(vaccine effectiveness is about 90% - for polysaccharide, the effect of which lasts for about three years).
Also, be very careful abouthygiene . Disease-causing bacteria are sensitive to:
- sunbeams,
- temperature higher than 60 ° C,
- disinfectants.
Additionally, if you avoid drinkingunprepared water(and generally not coming from company-sealed bottles), eating unboiled vegetables and fruit, and wash your hands before eating in accordance with he alth and safety guidelines , the probability of infection decreases.