What is Typhoid and what are its main causes?

Typhoid?Salmonella may directly infect the gallbladder through
Typhoid fever is an acute illness associated withthe hepatic duct or spread to other areas of the
fever caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria. It canbody through the bloodstream.
also be caused by Salmonella paratyphi, a relatedEarly symptoms are generalized and include fever,
bacterium that usually causes a less severe illness.malaise and abdominal pain. As the disease
The bacteria are deposited in water or food by aprogresses, the fever becomes higher (greater than
human carrier and are then spread to other people in103 degrees Fahrenheit), and diarrhea becomes
the area.prominent. Weakness, profound fatigue, delirium, and
Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by thean acutely ill appearance develop.
bacterium Salmonella enterica subspecies entericaA rash, characteristic only of typhoid and called "rose
serotype typhi, which is acquired by ingestion ofspots," appears in some cases of typhoid. Rose
contaminated food and water. Each year the diseasespots are small (1/4 inch) red spots that appear most
affects at least 16 million persons world-wide, mostoften on the abdomen and chest. Typically, children
of whom reside in the developing countries ofhave milder disease and fewer complications than
Southeast Asia and Africa. In Italy the disease isadults.
uncommon with a greater number of cases inThe bacteria that cause typhoid fever spread
Southern regions than in Northern ones.through contaminated food or water.
It is a common disease in the sub continent andSome other causes of typhoid:
affects all age groups. The poor hygiene conditions,Typhoid fever can be caused in three main ways:if
open sanitation habits, flies, sale of exposed food,contaminated sewage gets into the supply of drinking
and illiteracy is responsible for this disease. Thewater,if an infected person handles food without
disease is transmitted from human to human via foodwashing their hands properly, andif bacteria is
or drinking water, and it is therefore mainly hygienetransferred to food by flies feeding on infected
and sanitary conditions that determine its spread.stools (faeces).
Vaccines against typhoid fever are available, butInfection is the most common cause :
they're only partially effective and are usuallyViral (e.g., influenza, HIV, hepatitis, herpes simplex
reserved for people who may be exposed to theencephalitis, mononucleosis, adenovirus)
disease or are traveling to areas where typhoid feverBacterial (e.g., pneumonia, endocarditis, tuberculosis,
is endemic.meningitis, pyelonephritis, appendicitis, cholecystitis,
What are main causes of Typhoid?cellulitis)
Typhoid fever is caused by a virulent bacterium calledLyme disease
Salmonella typhi. Although they're related, this isn't theMalaria
same as the bacteria responsible for salmonellosis,Syphilis
another serious intestinal infection.Tularemia
SalmonellaIntra-abdominal abscess
Salmonella (S.) is the genus name for a large numberMalignancy :
(over 2,500) of types of bacteria. Each type isLymphoma (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's)
distinctly identifiable by its specific protein coating.Lymphoproliferative disorders
The types are otherwise closely related. SalmonellaRenal cell carcinoma
bacteria are rod-shaped, flagellated, GramLeukemia
stain-negative and are known to cause disease inHepatocellular carcinoma
humans, animals, and birds (especially poultry)Rheumatologic disorders :
worldwide.Temporal arteritis/giant cell arteritis
S. typhi are spread by contaminated food, drink, orAdult-onset Still's disease
water. Following ingestion, the bacteria spread fromSystemic lupus erythematosus
the intestine via the bloodstream to the intestinalSarcoidosis
lymph nodes, liver, and spleen via the blood whereRheumatoid arthritis
they multiply.Ask Questions Share Answers Discussion Forum .