9.3. Travel Related Infections - Typhoid Fever

Question 1

What are the 2 causes of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever?

Answer 1

1. Salmonella Typhi
2. Salmonella Paratyphi

Question 2

What are the predisposing conditions for Typhoid (Enteric) Fever?

Answer 2

1. Poor Sanitation
2. Unclean Drinking Water

Question 3

How long can the course of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever go on for

Answer 3

Up to 4 weeks

Question 4

What is the incubation period for Typhoid (Enteric) Fever?

Answer 4

7 days to 4 weeks

Question 5

What are the Clinical Features of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever in the first week?

Answer 5

1. Fever
2. Headaches
3. Abdominal Discomfort
4. Constipation
5. Dry Cough
6. Relative Bradycardia
7. Neutrophilia
8. Confusion

Question 6

What are the Clinical Features of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever in the second week?

Answer 6

1. Fever peaks at 7-10 days
2. Rose Spots
3. Diarrhoea begins
4. Tachycardia
5. Neutropenia

Question 7

What happens in the third week of Typhoid Fever?

Answer 7

Complications

Question 8

What are the Complications of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever can occur in the third week?

Answer 8

1. Intestinal Bleeding
2. Perforation
3. Peritonism
4. Metastatic infections

Question 9

What are the Clinical Features of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever in the fourth week?

Answer 9

Recovery

Question 10

What percentage of people relapse?

Answer 10

10-15%

Question 11

How is Typhoid (Enteric) Fever diagnosed?

Answer 11

1. Clinically: Evolution of features (not easy)
2. Laboratory: Culture Blood, Urine, Stool, and Bone Marrow

Question 12

What is the treatment of Typhoid (Enteric) Fever?

Answer 12

1. Oral Azithromycin
2. I.V. Ceftriaxone (if complicated)