Definition:
Paratyphoid fevers is also otherwise known as Enteric fevers. These composed a group of enteric illnesses often stimulated by bacterium Salmonella paratyphi strains. The three species of the Salmonellae which is known to have caused paratyphoid are Salmonella paratyphi A, S. schotmulleri, and S. paratyphi C or S. hirschfeldii. The species are usually transmitted through contact with the contaminated water and food. Paratyphoid fever is also similar to typhoid fever in some aspects but with more benign course.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of Paratyphoid fever is mostly done basing on history of recent travel and also repeated culturing of the organism causing the fever. Cultures are reproduced from samples of bone marrow, urine, blood, and stool.
Treatment:
Use of antibiotics is often employed to treat the illness while patients manifesting intestinal perforation or even hemorrhage are advised to undergo surgery. Much supportive care is required for the patient to recover from the illness.
Symptoms and Signs:
Paratyphoid fever is often associated with high fever, constipation or diarrhea, headache, vomiting, and loss of appetite. The patient will also typically develop enlarged spleen. Some patients also manifest rose spots on the chest especially during the first week of acquiring the disease. These spots will then develop into minute hemorrhages.
Causes:
There are three known strains of Salmonella paratyphi that cause Paratyphoid fever. These are S. paratyphi A, S. hirschfeldii, and S. schottmuelleri.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
