Typhoid fever: Epidemiology and risk factors in Western U.P.

Abstract

Typhoid fever commonly known as typhoid, is continues to be a worldwide health issue. It is caused by the bacterial infection of Salmonella typhi. Endemicity of typhoid fever is very common through out the Indian premises. Mode of infection is commonly via the fecal oral route. Present study was carried out to investigate the present condition and risk factor analysis of typhoid fever in rural and urban population in Western U.P. The overall prevalence of typhoid fever was recorded as 25.4% in the symptomatic patients investigated for Widal test. Observed prevalence of typhoid fever was significantly higher (?²=8.82, d.f.=2, P<0.05) in low income category when compared to high income population. Odds ratio (OR) 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.50) also suggests that low income population is at greater risk when compared to high income group. Present author is of opinion that, poor sanitary conditions, poverty and lack of personal hygienic awareness are responsible for rural typhoid situations. Result of the current study suggests that, a large community based integrated study involving antibiotic therapy is required, keeping in mind in the diversity of socio-cultural factors prevailing in the country.

Key words:  typhoid, risk factor, salmonella, enteric fever.