What is Typhoid and What are It’s Main Causes?

What is Typhoid?The types are otherwise closely related. Salmonella
Typhoid fever is an acute illness associated withbacteria are rod-shaped, flagellated, Gram
fever caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. It canstain-negative and are known to cause disease in
also be caused by Salmonella paratyphi, a relatedhumans, animals, and birds (especially poultry)
bacterium that usually causes a less severe illness.worldwide.
The bacteria are deposited in water or food by aS. typhi are spread by contaminated food, drink, or
human carrier and are then spread to other people inwater. Following ingestion, the bacteria spread from
the area.the intestine via the bloodstream to the intestinal
Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by thelymph nodes, liver, and spleen via the blood where
bacterium Salmonella enterica subspecies entericathey multiply.
serotype typhi, which is acquired by ingestion ofSalmonella may directly infect the gallbladder through
contaminated food and water. Each year the diseasethe hepatic duct or spread to other areas of the
affects at least 16 million persons world-wide, mostbody through the bloodstream.
of whom reside in the developing countries ofEarly symptoms are generalized and include fever,
Southeast Asia and Africa. In Italy the disease ismalaise and abdominal pain. As the disease
uncommon with a greater number of cases inprogresses, the fever becomes higher (greater than
Southern regions than in Northern ones.103 degrees Fahrenheit), and diarrhea becomes
It is a common disease in the sub continent andprominent. Weakness, profound fatigue, delirium, and
affects all age groups. The poor hygiene conditions,an acutely ill appearance develop.
open sanitation habits, flies, sale of exposed food,A rash, characteristic only of typhoid and called "rose
and illiteracy is responsible for this disease. Thespots," appears in some cases of typhoid. Rose
disease is transmitted from human to human via foodspots are small (1/4 inch) red spots that appear most
or drinking water, and it is therefore mainly hygieneoften on the abdomen and chest. Typically, children
and sanitary conditions that determine its spread.have milder disease and fewer complications than
Vaccines against typhoid fever are available, butadults.
they're only partially effective and are usuallyThe bacteria that cause typhoid fever spread
reserved for people who may be exposed to thethrough contaminated food or water.
disease or are traveling to areas where typhoid feverSome other causes of typhoid:
is endemic.Typhoid fever can be caused in three main ways:if
What are main causes of Typhoid?contaminated sewage gets into the supply of drinking
Typhoid fever is caused by a virulent bacterium calledwater,if an infected person handles food without
Salmonella typhi. Although they're related, this isn't thewashing their hands properly, andif bacteria is
same as the bacteria responsible for salmonellosis,transferred to food by flies feeding on infected
another serious intestinal infection.stools (faeces).
SalmonellaInfection is the most common cause :
Salmonella (S.) is the genus name for a large numberViral (e.g., influenza, HIV, hepatitis, herpes simplex
(over 2,500) of types of bacteria. Each type isencephalitis, mononucleosis, adenovirus)
distinctly identifiable by its specific protein coating.Bacterial (e.g.