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What Prevents Salmonella Typhi?

Salmonella Typhi was first isolated in 1880 by Karl J. Erberth and is a multi-organ bacterium that lives in the lymphathic tissue of the small intestine, liver, spleen and bloodstream of infected humans. It is the main cause of typhoid fever and is most common in high risk countries such as Asia, Latin America and Africa, where poor sanitation systems and lack of antibiotics are prevalent.

  1. Causes of Salmonella Typhi Infection

    • Humans catch Salmonella Typhi mainly through food and water tainted with the urine and feces of infected people. Shellfish caught from contaminated water and vegetables grown in soil fertilized with infected feces and eaten raw are two prime examples.

    Symptoms of Infection

    • Symptoms of Salmonella Typhi, which can occur one to three weeks after infection, include a sudden fever, severe headache, nausea and loss of appetite. Other symptoms may include either constipation or diarrhea and general weakness or discomfort.

    Preventing Salmonella Typhi

    • Salmonella Typhi is easily prevented by using proper hygiene, waste management and water purification. Ampicillin, Ceftriaxone and Chloramphenicol are used in treating typhoid fever.
      Frequent and thorough hand washing is essential, especially following a bowel movement. Cooks who have not used proper sanitary techniques can easily spread the disease to a large group of people; the most famous case is that of "Typhoid Mary" Mallon, who was a cook in the early 20th century. "Typhoid Mary" infected 47 people, killing three, and was quarantined on North Brother Island, which is located in the East River, between the Bronx and Rikers Island, in New York City.

    Precautions to Take If Traveling

    • If traveling to a high risk country, immunization is highly recommended. Do not drink water that has not been boiled for at least one minute. Do not have ice in drinks and do not eat anything that could have been prepared with contaminated water. Also, do not eat raw vegetables and/or fruit that cannot be peeled and if you do peel it, wash your hands thoroughly. Remember "Boil it, Cook it, Peel it or Forget it."

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