Typhoid fever

Definition

Typhoid fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by the protoebacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water, leading to high fever, abdominal pain, and other systemic symptoms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Salmonella Typhi is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium classified under Proteobacteria.
2. The disease transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
3. Symptoms include prolonged fever, abdominal pain, rash (known as 'rose spots'), and gastrointestinal disturbances.
4. Effective treatment includes antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and azithromycin; however, antibiotic resistance is an emerging concern.
5. Vaccination exists for typhoid fever and is recommended for travelers to areas where the disease is endemic.

Review Questions

Related terms

Proteobacteria:

A major phylum of Gram-negative bacteria which includes pathogens like Salmonella Typhi.

Fecal-Oral Route:

A common pathway for the transmission of infectious diseases where pathogens in fecal particles pass from one host to another via ingestion.

Antibiotic Resistance:

The ability of bacteria to survive and proliferate despite being exposed to antibiotics designed to kill them or inhibit their growth.