Paratyphoid Fever: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Paratyphoid fever is a systemic illness caused by Salmonella enterica serotypes Paratyphi A, B, or C. It resembles typhoid fever but is generally milder. Transmission occurs via ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces of infected persons or chronic carriers.
Symptoms
- Sustained fever (step-ladder pattern)
- Headache, malaise, myalgias
- Abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea
- Rose spots (pink macules on trunk)
- Relative bradycardia
- Hepatosplenomegaly
Diagnosis
Blood culture (gold standard), bone marrow culture, stool culture, serology (Widal test—limited utility).
Treatment
- Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin), azithromycin, or ceftriaxone based on susceptibility.
- Supportive care: Hydration, antipyretics, nutrition.
Prevention
- Safe water and food hygiene
- Handwashing
- Typhoid vaccines (Ty21a or Vi polysaccharide) offer partial cross-protection.
- Identify and treat chronic carriers.
Complications
Intestinal perforation, hemorrhage, encephalopathy, relapse. Early treatment reduces risk.
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