Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever, is a systemic infectious disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi). It primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract and is characterized by prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Transmission: Enteric fever is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the feces or urine of an infected person. It can also spread through direct contact with an infected individual.
- Symptoms: The typical symptoms of enteric fever include high and persistent fever, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and generalized body weakness. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, and nausea may also be present. In some cases, a characteristic rash known as “rose spots” may appear on the abdomen.
- Disease Progression: After the ingestion of contaminated material, the bacteria S. Typhi enter the body through the digestive system and invade the intestinal lining. From there, they can enter the bloodstream, leading to bacteremia (presence of bacteria in the blood). The bacteria can then spread to various organs, including the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, causing systemic symptoms and complications.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosis of enteric fever involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history assessment, and laboratory tests. Blood cultures are typically conducted to isolate and identify the presence of S. Typhi. Additional tests, such as stool cultures, may be performed to rule out other possible causes of gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Treatment: Prompt and appropriate treatment is essential for enteric fever to prevent complications and reduce the duration of illness. Antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones or third-generation cephalosporins are commonly used to treat the infection. However, drug resistance to certain antibiotics has become a concern in some regions. Therefore, it is important to tailor the treatment based on local resistance patterns and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Prevention: Prevention of enteric fever primarily revolves around ensuring safe food and water practices. This includes drinking clean and treated water, practicing good hand hygiene, and consuming properly cooked food. In regions where the disease is endemic, vaccination against S. Typhi is recommended to provide additional protection.
Enteric fever can have severe complications if left untreated, such as intestinal perforation, bleeding, or the spread of infection to other organs. Therefore, early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and preventive measures are crucial in managing this infectious disease and reducing its impact on affected individuals and communities.
