Typhoid Fever Research Paper
Typhoid Fever is a life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Annually in the united states 5700 cases are reported. In the majority of the cases reported, the infected were traveling internationally. Typhoid Fever is still very common throughout the world where it is estimated to infect 21.5 million people per year. Even with advanced prevention and treatment Typhoid Fever is still easily contracted and is a threat to all military members while deployed or in a field environment. Typhoid Fever is a bacterial disease that is spread through contaminated food, water, and close contact with bodily fluids. Salmonella Typhi is a bacterium that lives only in humans. The bacterium is carried in the bloodstream and intestinal
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Also it can be contracted if there is contamination of sewage water into drinking water. This results in more likeliness of an outbreak in areas of the world where hand washing is less frequently practiced and contaminated water is more prevalent. Most species of primates can also be carriers which makes this a zoonotic disease. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria is ingested it multiplies and spreads into the bloodstream resulting in Typhoid Fever. The body response with fevers as high as 104 degrees fahrenheit accompanied by weakness, stomach pains, and loss of appetite. In some cases, the infected person may have a rash with flat, rose colored spots. The only way to confirm if a person has been infected is to test samples of their stool and blood for the presents of Salmonella Typhi. With a stool sample the standard test is culture isolation, but this alone will only result in a positive reading 50% of the time. Blood, intestinal secretions (vomitus or duodenal aspirate), and stool culture results are positive for S typhi in approximately 85%-90% of patients with typhoid fever who present within the first week of onset …show more content…
If a person is traveling internationally they can contact the U.S consulate for a recommendation of doctors. Typhoid Fever is treated with antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. Some resistance to antibiotics has been seen, especially those infected in South Asia. For these cases an antibiotic susceptibility test may be required. If infected persons go without treatment fevers can last for weeks to months. Up to 20% of untreated cases result in death due to complications from infection (CDC). There are many easy measures to help prevent or minimize the risk of contracting Typhoid Fever. First is Vaccination, if a person plans on traveling to an area where the illness is more common one to two weeks before travel. All children should be vaccinated at age two and receive a booster two years later. If you drink water while traveling drink it out of a sealed bottle or boil it. Ensure all food is cooked thoroughly and do not eat raw fruit or vegetables. Last do not eat from street
Also it can be contracted if there is contamination of sewage water into drinking water. This results in more likeliness of an outbreak in areas of the world where hand washing is less frequently practiced and contaminated water is more prevalent. Most species of primates can also be carriers which makes this a zoonotic disease. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria is ingested it multiplies and spreads into the bloodstream resulting in Typhoid Fever. The body response with fevers as high as 104 degrees fahrenheit accompanied by weakness, stomach pains, and loss of appetite. In some cases, the infected person may have a rash with flat, rose colored spots. The only way to confirm if a person has been infected is to test samples of their stool and blood for the presents of Salmonella Typhi. With a stool sample the standard test is culture isolation, but this alone will only result in a positive reading 50% of the time. Blood, intestinal secretions (vomitus or duodenal aspirate), and stool culture results are positive for S typhi in approximately 85%-90% of patients with typhoid fever who present within the first week of onset …show more content…
If a person is traveling internationally they can contact the U.S consulate for a recommendation of doctors. Typhoid Fever is treated with antibiotics such as ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. Some resistance to antibiotics has been seen, especially those infected in South Asia. For these cases an antibiotic susceptibility test may be required. If infected persons go without treatment fevers can last for weeks to months. Up to 20% of untreated cases result in death due to complications from infection (CDC). There are many easy measures to help prevent or minimize the risk of contracting Typhoid Fever. First is Vaccination, if a person plans on traveling to an area where the illness is more common one to two weeks before travel. All children should be vaccinated at age two and receive a booster two years later. If you drink water while traveling drink it out of a sealed bottle or boil it. Ensure all food is cooked thoroughly and do not eat raw fruit or vegetables. Last do not eat from street