TYPHOID

 Hello everyone! How are you all? I hope that you are fine and I am fine too. Today's blog, as you would have understood by reading the topic, is typhoid. So, without losing a moment, let us get started!!

GENERAL INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY:-

Typhoid is also known as Enteric Fever. So, first of all, what is typhoid? Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can be fatal. The bacteria "Salmonella Typhi" is the cause of this infection. The gastrointestinal tract is more severely affected including the liver, spleen, and muscles. Through the bloodstream, bacteria can also reach the gallbladder, lungs, and kidneys. Let me here by clear this point that Typhoid is contagious. Karl Joseph Eberth was the first to describe the bacterium that was suspected to be the cause of typhoid in 1880. Four years later, Georg Gaffky, a pathologist, confirmed this link, naming the bacterium "Eberthella typhi", which is known as Salmonella enterica today.

CAUSES:-

As I have told you before, typhoid is a contagious infection. But it is caused when food is undercooked or is left raw. It is also caused when fruits or vegetables are not washed before being eaten. Moreover, one can experience it if one comes in physical contact with someone who is already affected by typhoid. In simple words, it is caused by the intake of contaminated food or water. It is more prevalent in places where handwashing is less frequent. 

SYMPTOMS:-

If you are affected by typhoid, you may experience the following symptoms:-

1. Weakness
2. Stomach pain
3. Headache
4. Diarrhea/Constipation
5. Cough 
6. Loss of appetite.
7. Some people also develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots.

DIAGNOSIS AND CURE:-

DIAGNOSIS

Typhoid is easily diagnosed in the following ways;-

• A diagnosis of typhoid fever can usually be confirmed by analyzing samples of blood, stools, or urine. These will be examined under a microscope for the Salmonella typhi bacteria that cause the condition. The bacteria aren't always detected the first time, so you may need to have a series of tests.
• The Widal test is one method that may be used to help make a presumptive diagnosis of Typhoid.

CURE

The only effective treatment for typhoid is antibiotics. Other than antibiotics, it is important to rehydrate by drinking adequate water. In more severe cases, where the bowel has become perforated, surgery may be required. If you are intaking antibiotics, you must keep one thing in your mind. 

Resistance to antibiotics is increasing in the bacteria that cause these diseases. When bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, the bacteria are not killed and their growth is not stopped when antibiotics are taken. Your doctor may order special tests to see if the bacteria causing your infection are resistant. Results from those tests may affect what antibiotic treatment you receive. People who do not get proper antibiotic treatment may have a fever for weeks or months and may develop complications. People who do not get treatment can die from complications of the infection. 

PREVENTIONS:-

Safe drinking water, improved sanitation, and adequate medical care can help prevent and control typhoid fever. Unfortunately, in many developing nations, these may be difficult to achieve. For this reason, some experts believe that vaccines are the best way to control typhoid fever.

VACCINATIONS:-

A vaccination " Typhoid Cognitive Vaccine" or TCV proved effective against Typhoid. 

There are 2 types of vaccines that prevent Typhoid or enteric Fever. One is inactivated(killed) vaccine. The other one is an alive (attenuated or weakened) vaccine. Your health care provider will decide which type of vaccine is suitable for you. Inactivated typhoid vaccine is administered as an injection. 

PREVALENCE:-

According to the most recent estimates, between 11 and 21 million cases and 128 000 to 161 000 typhoid-related deaths occur annually worldwide. A similar but often less severe disease, paratyphoid fever, is caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A and B (or uncommonly Paratyphi C). Typhoid fever is endemic in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Oceania, but 80% of cases come from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Pakistan, or Vietnam. Within those countries, typhoid fever is most common in underdeveloped areas. Typhoid fever is still common in developing countries and affects about 12.5 million persons each year. But, with a bit of struggle, by keeping ourselves and our surroundings, we can fight and win from this typhoid disease. 

Did you know, the famous king, alexander the Great, died of typhoid too!! 

Well readers, so that was it. Hope you liked it and if any problems, feel free to ask in the comment section. Suggestions are also appreciated. Please share and follow my blog. I would write my next blog soon. Till then, bye!