All You Need To Know About Typhoid!

Introduction

Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, a bacterium. It is typically characterised by high fever, nausea, vomiting, and, in some cases, diarrhoea. The disease is primarily transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with faecal matter, making it more common in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean drinking water. If left untreated, typhoid can be fatal. However, with timely diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment, most individuals make a full recovery. Improving hygiene and sanitation practices is key to preventing the spread of this potentially life-threatening illness.. 

Other serious complications include¹: 

• Pancreatitis 
• Hallucinations 
• Pneumonia 
• Bladder and kidney infection, to name a few. 

Common and more specific complications of typhoid include¹:  

• Intestinal perforation and bleeding (most serious) 
• Encephalopathy or delirium (more appropriate than hallucinations) 
• Hepatosplenomegaly 
• Sepsis or secondary infections 
• Pancreatitis and pneumonia are rarely direct complications, and kidney/bladder infections are not typically linked to typhoid. 

In many cases, individuals may carry Salmonella typhi without showing any noticeable symptoms, a condition known as being an asymptomatic carrier. These carriers can unknowingly contribute to the spread of the infection. Once symptoms become evident, such as persistent fever and gastrointestinal discomfort, a course of antibiotics is typically prescribed to manage the infection and help recovery². 

Understanding the Carrier State

An asymptomatic carrier is a person who carries the Salmonella Typhi bacteria in their body but does not feel unwell or show any symptoms of typhoid. Despite appearing perfectly healthy, they can still pass the infection to others⁷.

After recovering from typhoid, some people may continue to carry r the bacteria, often in the gallbladder, for weeks, months, or in some cases, much longer. These individuals may not realise they are still carrying the bacteria, as they no longer feel sick.

The concern with carriers is that they can unknowingly spread the infection, particularly if they handle or prepare food without strict hand hygiene. This is why good handwashing and food-safety practices remain important even after recovery.

A well-known historical example is that of “Typhoid Mary,” a cook in the early twentieth century who was a healthy carrier of the bacteria. Although she showed no symptoms herself, she was linked to spreading typhoid to many people through the food she prepared. Her story is often used as an educational example to explain how carriers can transmit infection while feeling completely well.

If a carrier state is suspected, a doctor can advise on appropriate testing and management.

Serious Complications of Typhoid Fever

While many people recover fully with prompt treatment, untreated or severe typhoid can sometimes lead to serious complications. Understanding these in simple terms can help explain why early medical care is so important⁸.

1. Intestinal Perforation

This is one of the most serious complications. As the infection progresses, it can weaken the wall of the intestine, and in severe cases, a hole may form. This is known as intestinal perforation. It is a medical emergency, as it can allow the intestinal contents to leak into the abdomen, and it usually requires urgent treatment.

2. Intestinal Bleeding

The infection can also damage the lining of the intestine, leading to bleeding. This may show up as blood in the stool and can sometimes be significant, requiring close medical monitoring.

3. Other Serious Complications

• Sepsis: A serious, body-wide response to infection that can affect multiple organs and needs urgent treatment.
• Encephalopathy or delirium: In severe cases, the infection may affect the brain, leading to confusion, altered behaviour, or reduced alertness.
• Hepatosplenomegaly: This refers to enlargement of the liver and spleen, which can occur as the body responds to the infection.

It is important to understand that these complications are generally more likely in cases that are untreated, diagnosed late, or particularly severe. They are not an inevitable part of typhoid.

The reassuring message is that prompt medical treatment, including timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, greatly reduces the risk of these complications. This is why anyone with persistent high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms should seek medical advice rather than waiting.

How is Typhoid Diagnosed?

Diagnosing typhoid accurately is important, as its symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses such as malaria or dengue. Doctors may use one or more tests to confirm the infection. Below is a simple comparison of the three commonly discussed tests. 

1. Blood Culture

• What it detects: The presence of Salmonella Typhi bacteria directly in a blood sample.
• Advantages: It is highly reliable and is generally considered the most accurate test for confirming typhoid, especially in the early stage of illness.
• Limitations: Results can take a few days, and accuracy may be reduced if antibiotics have already been started before the sample is collected⁹.

2. Widal Test

• What it detects: Antibodies that the body produces in response to the typhoid bacteria.
• Advantages: It is quick, widely available, and inexpensive.
• Limitations: It is less reliable on its own, as it can sometimes give false positive or false negative results, for example due to a past infection or vaccination¹⁰.

3. Typhidot Test

• What it detects: Specific antibodies (IgM and IgG) against the typhoid bacteria.
• Advantages: It is generally faster than the Widal test and may be useful in the earlier stages of infection.
• Limitations: It may still require interpretation alongside symptoms and other findings¹¹.

It is worth noting that blood culture is generally considered the gold standard for confirming typhoid fever. Your doctor will decide which test is most suitable based on your symptoms and how long you have been unwell. 

Other Forms of Treatment

In addition to antibiotic treatment, individuals diagnosed with typhoid are often advised to stay well-hydrated by consuming clean, preferably boiled water, and to practise strict food hygiene, such as thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption². 

During pregnancy, typhoid can lead to serious complications, including miscarriage, premature labour, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and even faetal loss, largely due to systemic infection and high maternal fever³. Vaccination offers a significant degree of protection and is especially recommended for those living in or travelling to areas where typhoid is endemic. However, as no vaccine provides complete immunity, it must be complemented by good sanitation and hygiene practices to effectively prevent infection and limit its spread⁴. 

Vaccination

If an individual has not been exposed to the Salmonella typhi bacterium, typhoid vaccination is often recommended as a preventive measure. Doctors may prescribe the vaccine to those who are carriers of the disease, individuals in close contact with typhoid patients, or persons planning to travel to regions where typhoid fever is prevalent. The vaccine is available in two forms: an oral capsule (Ty21a) or a single-dose injection (Vi polysaccharide). However, the vaccine is preventive rather than therapeutic, meaning it does not treat active infections and is ineffective once illness has begun. It is also not suitable for very young children. The polysaccharide vaccine is approved for children aged two years and above, while the oral Ty21a vaccine is approved for those aged six years and older. In rare cases, the vaccine may cause mild side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or nausea, and should therefore be administered under medical supervision². 

Typhoid fever is an illness you get from S. Typhi bacterium. It causes a high fever, flu-like symptoms, and diarrhoea. You can be contagious with typhoid even if you don’t feel sick. Typhoid can be life-threatening and is usually treated promptly with antibiotics.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

Typhoid Vaccine Schedule for Children and Adults

Two main types of typhoid vaccine are commonly available⁴. The table below offers a reader-friendly summary to help you understand the differences. 

Both vaccines are preventive rather than therapeutic, meaning they help reduce the risk of getting typhoid but do not treat an active infection. It is also important to remember that no vaccine offers complete protection, so vaccination should always be combined with safe food, clean water, and good hygiene practices.

The most suitable vaccine, along with the exact schedule of any booster doses, should be decided by a doctor based on the individual’s age, health status, and risk of exposure, such as travel to areas where typhoid is common. Always consult a healthcare professional before vaccination.

Antibiotic Resistance and XDR Typhoid

• Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections such as typhoid. However, over time, bacteria can change and learn to survive against these medicines. This is known as antibiotic resistance, and it means the medicines that once worked may no longer be effective¹².
• In recent years, a particularly concerning form of typhoid has emerged, known as Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) typhoid. This refers to strains of Salmonella Typhi that are resistant to several of the antibiotics traditionally used to treat the infection. As a result, doctors are left with fewer treatment options, and the remaining choices may be more expensive, harder to access, or require treatment in a hospital setting.
• XDR typhoid is a growing public health concern because it can make the illness harder to treat, potentially leading to a longer recovery and a higher risk of complications if effective treatment is delayed. It also highlights how the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, such as taking them without a proper diagnosis, or not completing the prescribed course, can contribute to resistance over time.
• The good news is that the risk can be reduced through a combination of sensible measures. These include getting vaccinated where appropriate, maintaining good sanitation and hygiene, seeking early diagnosis when symptoms appear, and using antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor and exactly as directed. Avoiding self-medication with antibiotics is especially important.
• Tackling antibiotic resistance is a shared responsibility, and responsible use of these medicines helps protect their effectiveness for everyone. 

Avoiding the Infection

To reduce the risk of contracting Salmonella typhi, it is advisable to follow these preventive practices, especially when travelling to or living in areas where typhoid is common⁵: 

• Avoid using ice in your beverages, as the water used to make ice may be contaminated. 
• Drink only boiled or filtered water at all times. 
• Refrain from consuming street food, which may be prepared in unhygienic conditions. 
• Choose freshly cooked, hot meals over raw or cold food items. 
• Be selective about where you eat; opt for well-reviewed and reputable establishments rather than trying unfamiliar food vendors. 
• Avoid eating raw fruits unless you peel them. If you do not wish to peel the skin, ensure the fruit is washed thoroughly with clean water. 
• Avoid popsicles and fountain drinks unless you are certain they are made using safe water. 
• Choose carbonated bottled water and check that the seal is intact before purchasing. 
• Consume only pasteurised dairy products and ensure eggs are hard-cooked. 
• Practise regular handwashing with soap and clean water, this is one of the most effective defences against typhoid and other enteric infections. 

Also Read: Malaria: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Food Hygiene

Since typhoid spreads mainly through contaminated food and water, following safe food-hygiene habits is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family. Use this simple checklist as a handy guide. 

• Safe drinking water: Drink only boiled, filtered, or sealed bottled water, and avoid ice unless you are sure it is made from safe water.
• Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before eating and after using the toilet.
• Proper food preparation: Choose freshly cooked, hot meals over food that has been left standing.
• Fruit and vegetable washing: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water, and peel fruits where possible.
• Avoiding raw or undercooked foods: Steer clear of raw or undercooked items, and ensure eggs are well-cooked.
• Safe dairy consumption: Consume only pasteurised dairy products.
• Food storage practices: Store food safely and avoid eating food that has been left out for long periods.
• Choosing hygienic food vendors: Opt for clean, reputable eateries rather than unhygienic street food stalls.

Following these simple steps consistently can significantly lower your risk of typhoid and other food- and water-borne infections. 

Practice Hygiene

To minimise the risk of contracting or spreading typhoid, it is important to follow these essential personal hygiene practices⁶: 

• Before sitting to eat, wash your hands with an antiseptic soap. 
• Avoid direct contact with individuals who are unwell. 
• Wash your hands often and especially after using the toilet. 
• When travelling, increase your use of hand sanitiser and ensure the sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol. 
• If you are unwell, do not prepare or serve food to others to prevent the risk of transmission. 

Also Read: Jaundice: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes and Types

When Can Children Return to School After Typhoid?

• Parents often wonder when it is safe for a child to return to school after recovering from typhoid. The most important point is that this decision should always be guided by the child’s doctor, who can assess their individual recovery.
• In general, doctors consider factors such as whether the fever has fully resolved, whether the child has recovered well clinically, and whether they are eating, drinking, and feeling well again. Good hygiene, particularly thorough handwashing after using the toilet and before eating, remains essential even after the child feels better, as the bacteria can sometimes present.
• It is worth noting that specific return-to-school rules can vary by country and local health regulations, so it is best to follow both your doctor’s advice and any guidance from your local health authority or school. When in doubt, confirm with a healthcare professional before sending your child back.

Conclusion

Typhoid is a serious but preventable bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water. Maintaining good hygiene, following safe food and water practices, and considering vaccination where appropriate are key to prevention. With prompt medical attention and responsible habits, the risks associated with typhoid can be significantly reduced. 

Also Read: Typhoid Vaccine: What is It, Types, When to Be Taken & Side Effects

References

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11. Sam EK, Alagbo J, Asamoah A, Ansah F, Tandoh KZ, Amenga-Etego LN, Duodu S. Diagnostic performance of Typhidot RDT in diagnosis of typhoid fever and antibiotic resistance characterisation in a cross-sectional study in Southern Ghana. BMC Infect Dis. 2024 Nov 7;24(1):1262. doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-10160-2. PMID: 39511496; PMCID: PMC11546492. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39511496/
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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