How does typhoid fever attack

Typhoid fever is defined as a bacterial infection caused by bacteria Salmonella typhi. The infection is caused primarily through ingestion of contaminated water and food, but it can also spread through close contact from one person to another. The bacteria enter the body through the mouth and spend one to three weeks in the intestine prior to reaching the bloodstream. Although everyone can develop typhoid, children are at a higher risk than adults despite having milder symptoms.

The most common risk factors for typhoid fever include drinking contaminated water, having close contact with the infected individual, working with bacteria that cause the infection, and working or traveling to high-risk areas. The infection causes a number of symptoms but with prompt treatment patients notice improvements within seven to 10 days. The primary treatment route is an intake of antibiotics.

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.

Typhoid shot should not be given to children younger than two years of age. On the flip side, live typhoid vaccine oral should not be given to a child who is younger than 6. Bearing in mind protective effects of typhoid vaccine occur seven days after vaccination, it is recommended to get a vaccine two weeks or, ideally, a month prior to your travel in order to allow the shot to work. In other words, while typhoid vaccine can reduce your risk of infection, you still need to be careful and employ prevention tips mentioned above.

Even though the vaccine is effective, some side effects are possible. The most common adverse reactions to typhoid vaccine are:. If they don't wash their hands properly afterwards, they can contaminate any food they touch. Anyone else who eats this food may also become infected. Less commonly, the Salmonella typhi bacteria can be passed out in an infected person's pee.

Again, if an infected person handles food without washing their hands properly after peeing, they can spread the infection to someone else who eats the contaminated food. In parts of the world with poor sanitation, infected human waste can contaminate the water supply.

People who drink contaminated water or eat food washed in contaminated water can develop typhoid fever. However, their symptoms are less severe than in grown-ups.

In rare cases, severe typhoid infection can lead to death. Loss of appetite, constant weakness, headache, and body pain is common.

Constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting develop gradually. Some common signs of enteric fever are:. Many times, people carry the bacteria but do not show these signs. The symptoms develop gradually and often show up after weeks. Some people carry the bacteria but do not get affected. They are asymptomatic carriers with no symptoms or signs. Typhoid is a bacterial infection. It does not just affect one organ, but multiple organs of the body. After reaching the bloodstream, the bacteria attack the gastrointestinal tract, including the liver, spleen, and muscles.

Sometimes, the liver and spleen also swell. Bacteria can also reach the gallbladder, lungs, and kidneys through the blood. The most well-known symptoms are fever and rashes on the body. Patients also experience high body temperature during the initial stage. Light red spots on the neck and abdomen also show the development of enteric fever.

Once you suspect you have typhoid fever, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will diagnose and treat your illness wisely. To avoid complications, set up an appointment immediately after you have returned from a trip.

If you experience mild or severe symptoms, do not hesitate and reach out to your physician at the earliest. The diagnosis is primarily clinical. But the most common techniques are using a stool sample or blood test. Tell your doctor if you have traveled recently. This will help identify the disease properly and at the right time to prevent complications.

This includes a lack of proper sanitation and poor hygiene practices. In humans, water-borne diseases are the carriers. Fecal contamination also occurs through food, water, and direct contact.

In developing countries, where enteric fever is endemic, most infections originate from drinking contaminated water. Travelers spread the disease through a fecal-oral route. So, the bacteria responsible passes in the feces. It also stays in the urine of infected people. You can also catch the infection if you get in contact with someone suffering from typhoid fever. There are some patients who, even after recovery, carry the disease in their intestinal tracts or gall bladders for quite some time.

These carriers shed bacteria in the feces, causing infection to other people. Typhoid is a serious illness affecting millions of people around the world every year. Children are at higher risk of this disease. Complications occur in patients who do not undergo the proper antibiotic course. The most common ones observed are:. Splitting of the digestive system: Splitting or Perforation is a serious issue.