ISSN : 2663-2187

Association of food habits and seasonal variation with typhoid infection: A prospective study in a tertiary care centre

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Dr Satakshi Manwani Dr Anita Mutha Dr Suneel Kumar Ahirwar
» doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.5.2024. 6257-6262

Abstract

Background and Objective Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar typhi, is a severe foodborne illness causing 33 million disability-adjusted life years and 600 million cases in 2010, posing a significant threat to global public health and society. The study investigates the seasonal pattern of enteric fever by identifying peak times, quantifying variation, and evaluating food habits that increase the risk of typhoid infection. Material Method From 2020-2021, a study at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College in India involved 140 blood samples from suspected enteric fever cases, with 26 salmonella species isolates enrolled. Blood samples from children and adult patients with suspected enteric fever are received in labs. Samples are incubated at 37°C for 18-24 hours, followed by blind subculture on solid agar media. Daily checks for growth indicators and flagging on automated blood culture bottles are conducted. Blood culture bottles must be monitored for seven days. Result In this study, 140 clinically suspected cases of enteric fever were included and 26 (18.6%) of them were found to be blood culture positive for Salmonella Typhi species. Amongst 26 species of Salmonella enterica, all the 26 serovars were identified as S.typhi (100%) and no S. paratyphi A or S. paratyphi B. Out of 140 suspected cases, only 27.3% of children and 52.3% of adults had an outside food habit, with a significant p value. Conclusion Understanding seasonal Salmonella isolate distribution helps determine control measures for enteric fever. An epidemiological disease control system must be implemented in addition to offering safe drinking water and detecting long-term bacterial carriers.

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