CLINICAL PICTURE OF TYPHOID FEVER

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1512548178881{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”3497″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Typhoid fever exhibits in various forms. Typically, it starts with malaise, anorexia, muscular  aches and fevers,that increases everyday by 0.25-0.5⁰C to reach to 39 to 41⁰ C coupled with abdominal pain & headaches. Fever rises to 41⁰ C in 5-7 days where it stays for 10-15 days if untreated, then fever decreases slowly over several days.

During the period of rise in fever, some patients (20%) with fair skin show “rose spots” of 2-4 mm in the chest, abdomen & back areas. Constipation is typically observed.

In blood – leukocytes are below 4500/mm³ & platelets less 80,000/mm³ . Liver dysfunction may be present and can be detected by elevated serum transaminase values.

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Two of most important complications are perforations & hemorrhage as a result of intestinal lesions (See figure).

Other uncommon complications are hepatitis, empyema, osteomyelitis & psychosis. Particularly severe form of typhoid can cause cerebral dysfunction, delirium or coma and shock, case fatality in such cases can exceed 20%.

About 2% to 5% patients become chronic gallbladder carriers of the organism where it has been implicated as a cause of cancer.

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