What Is The Difference Between Typhoid Fever And Enteric Fever?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Enteric fever is a systemic illness characterized by fever, abdominal pain, and non-specific symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headache, and

anorexia

. When enteric fever is caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, it is known as typhoid fever and when due to S.

Is enteric fever and typhoid fever the same?

Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is a potentially fatal multisystemic illness caused primarily by Salmonella enterica serotype typhi and, to a lesser extent, S enterica serotypes paratyphi A, B, and C. The terms typhoid and enteric fever are commonly

used to describe both major serotypes

.

Why typhoid fever is called enteric fever?

Typhoid fever, also known as enteric fever, is

a potentially fatal multisystemic illness caused primarily by Salmonella enterica serotype typhi and, to a lesser extent, S enterica serotypes paratyphi A, B, and C

. The terms typhoid and enteric fever are commonly used to describe both major serotypes.

Is typhoid an enteric fever?

Typhoid fever is

a type of enteric fever

, along with paratyphoid fever. So far, S. enterica Typhi is only known to infect and replicate within humans. The cause is the bacterium Salmonella enterica subsp.

What is the difference between typhoid and para typhoid?


Paratyphoid

has a shorter incubation period but is clinically similar to typhoid. In the literature, paratyphoid is considered to be typically milder than typhoid and of shorter duration [3, 7] but it can on occasion be equally as severe as typhoid [10].

Which organ is affected by typhoid?

After the infection, bacteria reach the bloodstream from where it reaches different organs thus causing various symptoms. The gastrointestinal tract is more severely affected including

liver, spleen, and muscles

. Through bloodstream, bacteria can also reach gallbladder, lungs, and kidneys.

What is best medicine for typhoid?


Chloramphenicol

has been the antibiotic of choice for patients with typhoid fever for more than 30 years, although ampicillin and cotrimoxazole have been introduced as alternatives, they have side effects, and disadvantages of frequent administration and long duration of treatment similar to chloramphenicol therapy.

Can I bath in typhoid fever?

THERE is very little, if any, doubt that in typhoid fever the most efficient treatment and that securing the best result is

the cold bath

. These baths were first recommended by Currie, in England, in 1786, but were used with indifl erent success, because no proper means of giving them had then become systematized.

Is typhoid curable?

Doctor’s response. Yes, typhoid is dangerous,

but curable

. Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics that kill the Salmonella bacteria.

How long does typhoid stay in body?

As typhoid is an enteric infection, it affects the intestine and hence, the symptoms one experiences are related to digestion. Generally, the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever start showing up gradually over a period of 10-14 days after exposure to the bacteria. The duration of the typhoid illness is

about 3-4 weeks

.

What is the starting stage of typhoid?

In early stages of the disease, symptoms include:

abdominal pain, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell

. These initial symptoms are similar to other illnesses. As typhoid fever gets worse, symptoms often include: High fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Who does typhoid fever affect the most?

WHO estimates the global typhoid fever disease burden at 11-20 million cases annually, resulting in about 128 000–161 000 deaths per year. Typhoid risk is higher in populations that lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation.

Poor communities and vulnerable groups including children

are at highest risk.

Can you survive typhoid without treatment?

Without prompt medical treatment, typhoid and paratyphoid

fevers can be fatal

.

When should you suspect typhoid?

The only way to know for sure if an illness is typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever is to

have a sample of blood or stool (poop) tested for Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi

. If you have a fever and feel very ill, see a doctor immediately.

How can I recover from typhoid faster?

Your symptoms should begin to improve

within 2 to 3 days of taking antibiotics

. But it’s very important you finish the course to ensure the bacteria are completely removed from your body. Make sure you rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat regular meals.

Can typhoid cure itself?


Most otherwise healthy adults get better on their own

, but some people who are not treated may have a fever for weeks or months. Antibiotics are often used to treat typhoid fever.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.