Enteric Fever

Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever, is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi. It is typically spread through contaminated food and water.

Cause

The bacteria that cause enteric fever are usually transmitted through the fecal-oral route, where food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person is ingested. This can occur through:

• Consuming food or drinks handled by someone with the infection
• Eating food or drinking water contaminated with sewage or human waste
• Close contact with someone who has the infection

Symptoms

The symptoms of enteric fever typically develop 6-30 days after exposure to the bacteria and may include:

• Fever, which can be high and prolonged
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Rash, in some cases

Complications

If left untreated, enteric fever can lead to serious complications, including:

• Intestinal perforation, which can be life-threatening
• Bleeding in the intestines
• Infection of other parts of the body, such as the bones or joints
• Neurological problems, such as seizures or coma

Diagnosis

Enteric fever is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:

• Blood cultures to detect the presence of Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi
• Stool tests to detect the bacteria in the feces
• Urine tests to detect the bacteria in the urine
• Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to rule out other conditions

Treatment

The treatment for enteric fever typically involves antibiotics, such as:

• Ciprofloxacin
• Ceftriaxone
• Azithromycin

Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and nutrition, is also important to help manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Prevention

To prevent enteric fever, it is essential to:

• Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly with soap and water
• Avoid consuming contaminated food and water
• Avoid close contact with someone who has the infection
• Get vaccinated against typhoid fever, especially when traveling to areas where the disease is common

Epidemiology

Enteric fever is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 11-21 million cases of typhoid fever and 128,000–161,000 deaths worldwide each year.

Prognosis

The prognosis for enteric fever is generally good if treated promptly and effectively with antibiotics. However, if left untreated or if treatment is delayed, the disease can be fatal. With proper treatment, most people recover from enteric fever within 1-2 weeks.