infections
Typhoid Fever
Treatment of Typhoid Fever
Antibiotics For severe infections, corticosteroids When antibiotics are used, the risk of death is reduced to less than 1%. Complete recovery may take weeks or months. The preferred antibiotics include Ceftriaxonegiven by injection Fluoroquinolones (such asciprofloxacin,levofloxacin, ormoxifloxacin) given by mouth or injection Azithromycingiven by mouth Resistance to antibiotics is common and is increasing in areas where typhoid fever is common. Resistance is also increasing in the United States because of returning travelers who were infected in those areas. The antibiotic chloramphenicol is used worldwide. However, it can damage cells in bone marrow that make blood cells. Also,SalmonellaTyphi bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to it. If the infection is severe, corticosteroids are also given, particularly when people are delirious, comatose, or in shock. While people have a fever, bed rest is advised. A clear liquid diet can help minimize diarrhea. People should not useaspirin, laxatives, or enemas. Relapses can occur after treatment is stopped. This infection is milder than the initial illness and is treated the same way. Carriers must report to the local health department and are prohibited from working with food until tests show that the bacteria have been eradicated. Taking antibiotics for 4 to 6 weeks may eradicate the bacteria in many carriers. If carriers have gallbladder disease, surgery to remove the gallbladder may be effective. However, such surgery does not guarantee that the bacteria are eradicated. 