What is Typhoid?

• Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a potentially life-threatening illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. This eMedTV article provides an overview of the disease, including information about transmission, diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis.

• Cause of Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is caused by an infection with the bacterium Salmonella typhi. This portion of the eMedTV archives provides information about this cause of typhoid fever, how it is transmitted, and people who are most at risk from it.

• Typhoid Fever Bacteria

Salmonella typhi is the bacteria responsible for the life-threatening illness known as typhoid fever. This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at typhoid fever bacteria, including transmission methods, symptoms, treatment, and prevalence.

• Typhoid Fever Transmission

One way typhoid fever transmission occurs is by eating food or drinking beverages handled by a person shedding Salmonella typhi bacteria. This eMedTV site explains typhoid fever transmission and identifies areas where the illness is common.

• Typhoid Fever Symptoms

Common symptoms of typhoid fever include muscle weakness, a characteristic rash, and decreased heart rate. This eMedTV segment discusses mild and serious symptoms in detail -- including what happens if the condition goes untreated.

• Typhoid Fever Diagnosis

This eMedTV page explains how a doctor reaches a typhoid fever diagnosis. Among other things, the doctor will ask about the person's recent medical and travel history, and rule out other possible causes of the symptoms (for example, viral hepatitis).

• Typhoid Fever Treatment

Typhoid fever treatment typically consists of antibiotics that kill the typhoid fever bacteria. This eMedTV article offers detailed information about treatment methods, including strategies for preventing the spread of infection.

• Typhoid Fever Prevention

There are two types of vaccine used in typhoid fever prevention. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at both types and also offers advice for avoiding sources of infection while traveling.

• Typhoid Vaccine

This eMedTV page offers criteria for who should and should not receive typhoid vaccine. The two types of vaccine are also described. The vaccine is not routinely given in the United States, but is recommended for travelers to certain regions.

• Mortality Rate of Typhoid Fever

If treatment is not received, the mortality rate of typhoid fever is between 12 and 30 percent. This eMedTV Web page examines factors that affect the mortality rate and highlights how treatment can reduce the rate to less than 1 percent.