New research: Study flags emergence of drug-resistant typhoid strains

What is the News?

According to a ​​study published in The Lancet, the effectiveness of antibiotics for typhoid fever is threatened by the emergence of resistant strains.

What is Typhoid?

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. 

Transmission: It is usually spread through contaminated food or water. Once Salmonella Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream.

Symptoms: It includes prolonged fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea. Some patients may have a rash. Severe cases may lead to serious complications or even death.

Treatment: Typhoid fever can be treated with antibiotics.

Cases: Typhoid fever causes 11 million infections and more than 100,000 deaths per year. South Asia accounts for 70% of the global disease burden.

What does the study say about Typhoid?

According to this study, bacteria that cause typhoid fever are becoming more and more resistant to some of the most widely used antibiotics.

What is the Indian Government doing against Typhoid?

The Ministry of Health is considering introducing new typhoid conjugate vaccines into the national immunization program. 

Note: According to a survey conducted at 18 Indian sites during 2016-20, typhoid was found as common as it was two decades ago, especially in urban areas. However, complications and deaths are not common.

But if the transmission still prevails and resistance develops to commonly used antibiotics, then it is likely that there will be an upsurge in severe cases of Typhoid.

Source: The post is based on the article “New research: Study flags emergence of drug-resistant typhoid strains” published in Indian Express on 22nd June 2022.