Signs of Typhoid fever (Salmonella typhi infection)

Description

A bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. The disease rarely occurs in developed countries, and is most commonly seen in countries with poor sanitary conditions and contaminated water supplies. Vaccines and being careful with food and water consumption while traveling can prevent the infection. There are three stages to the infection with each stage progressively more serious. Life threatening intestinal bleeding, brain infections and heart infections can occur.

Symptoms

Severe headache, diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, malaise, rash (rose spots) appearing on the lower chest and abdomen during the second week of the fever, abdominal tenderness, bloody stools, fatigue, weakness, nosebleed, chills, delirium, confusion, agitation, fluctuating mood, difficulty paying attention, hallucinations.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests to establish the diagnosis and determine the damage done by the infection include: antibody testing (fluorescent test), antigen testing (ELISA), blood cultures, body fluid cultures, and tissue cultures.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
Lipase
Troponin
UA
X-Ray
EKG
CT Scan
MRI

Treatment

Specific therapy depends on the severity of infection but may include: intravenous fluids and electrolytes, antibiotics, and hospital admission. Antibiotics must be chosen carefully because of growing resistance to antibiotics by the bacteria.