Typhoid Symptoms: Key Strategies for Prevention, Testing, and Treatment

Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi (S Typhi) and Paratyphi (S Paratyphi) A, B, and C are the cause of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever, which are febrile multisystemic disorders that are clinically similar. Known collectively as enteric fever, it causes illness in almost 9 million people worldwide each year, and 110,000 of those cases result in death.

Enteric fever is amongst the leading causes of community-acquired blood infections. Bloodstream infections that are acquired in the community are primarily caused by enteric fever. When it comes to serious and sometimes fatal infections in travelers, enteric fever is second only to malaria. Enteric fever appears slowly, with fever, eating disorders, fatigue, headaches, and abdominal pain gradually developing after a period of 6 to 30 days of exposure to the infection. Meningitis, sepsis, or intestinal perforation might happen if treatment is not received in a timely manner or is not effective. The rise of extensively drug-resistant strains has complicated treatment and aroused concerns, as S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi strains have a history of rapidly developing antimicrobial resistance with the widespread use of successive antibiotics.

The "4 Fs"—flies, fingers, feces, and fomites—are the major means by which S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi spread. People who live or travel in low- and middle-income nations that lack access to WASH (clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene) get affected more frequently. Limiting the incidence of enteric fever and other infections spread through the fecal-oral pathway starts with improved WASH infrastructure. Let’s learn more about typhoid disease in order to keep it at bay.

Once exposed to the bacteria, symptoms usually appear gradually, usually one to three weeks later. There can be life-threatening complications. Moreover, the symptoms may return upto few weeks after the fever has gone away. 

Early symptoms include:

• Fever starts low and increases throughout the day, possibly reaching as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
• Headache
• Chills
• Weakness 
• Fatigue
• Stomach pain
• Muscle aches
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation
• Rash
• Cough
• Loss of appetite 
• Sweating

Symptoms of later illness (after a few weeks due to intestinal involvement):

• Stomach pain
• Very swollen stomach
• Sepsis
• Confusion (in severe cases) 

S. typhi is the bacteria that causes typhoid. Food, beverages, and drinking water tainted with infected feces are the main ways in which it spreads. If the water is tainted, washing fruits and vegetables can further spread the infection.

Some individuals may not be experiencing any symptoms even after having typhoid. Some people carry the bacterium even after their symptoms have subsided. Sometimes, the illness may recur. Until medical tests come back negative, people who test positive for typhoid may not be permitted to work with older adults or kids in order to prevent the infection.

Your doctor may suspect typhoid fever based on your travel and medical history, as well as your symptoms. The diagnosis is often confirmed by doing the culture test for the Salmonella enterica serotype typhi in a sample of your body fluid or tissue.

You provide a sample of your blood, feces, urine, or bone marrow. The sample is put in an environment that is suitable to the growth of bacteria. Under a microscope, the growth—known as a culture—is examined for the typhoid bacteria. A bone marrow culture is the most sensitive test for Salmonella typhi.

A culture test is the most common diagnostic test. But to confirm typhoid infection, more testing could be necessary. One involves testing your blood for typhoid bacteria antibodies. Another test looks for the DNA of typhoid in your blood.

Typhoid fever can only be effectively treated with antibiotic therapy. The medicine you get to treat typhoid fever may depend on where you picked up the bacteria. Strains picked up in different places respond better or worse to certain antibiotics. Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. You can use these medications in combination or alone. Typhoid fever may be treated with the following antibiotics:

• Fluoroquinolones
• Cephalosporins
• Macrolides
• Carbapenems

Here are some smart typhoid preventive tips:

• Safe Drinking Water: Drink water from a safe source or use bottled water. Boil water if you are unsure of its quality.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before eating or handling food.
• Proper Food Handling: Ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and avoid eating raw or undercooked food, especially in areas with questionable sanitation.
• Vaccination: Get vaccinated against typhoid if you’re traveling to areas where typhoid is common or if recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Maintain Clean Surroundings: Keep your living area clean and ensure proper sanitation to prevent contamination.
• Avoid Street Food: Be cautious with street food or food prepared in unsanitary conditions.
• Avoid Contact with Infected Individuals: Minimize contact with individuals who have typhoid or have been in contact with contaminated sources.

Although typhoid fever may appear to be a thing of the past, it still causes severe illness in people worldwide. Getting vaccinated is the best defense against contracting typhoid disease and spreading it to others if you live in or are visiting an area where this disease is prevalent. Consult the doctor immediately if you suspect you may have typhoid disease. Get tested timely to make sure you don't infect others unknowingly.

Explore the importance of timely treatment and prevention strategies for typhoid to enhance your health and prevent complications. For expert advice and personalized care, connect with our Medflick specialists today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does one diagnose typhoid? 
A: Salmonella typhi bacteria can be identified via blood, stool, or bone marrow testing, which are commonly used to confirm a diagnosis.

Q2: What are the typhoid treatment options? 
A: Antibiotics are often advised for typhoid depending on the results of testing to determine the patient's susceptibility to certain antibiotics. It's also critical that you consume enough water and receive supportive care.

Q3: How can the typhoid be prevented?
A: Particularly, when traveling to high-risk places, preventive actions include using good hygiene, drinking safe water, eating fully cooked food, and getting vaccinated if advised.

Q4: Which organ is damaged in typhoid fever?
A: Typhoid fever may result in damage of the cells present in the small intestine or large bowel. This leads to the leaking of the contents from the gut. That may result in severe stomach pain, vomiting, and sepsis (severe infection throughout the body).

Q5: Is there a typhoid vaccine? 
A: Vaccines against typhoid illness are indeed available. Travelers to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent or those who are at high risk are advised to take them.