Why in News
- Researchers have examined the effectiveness of the four-year typhoid vaccine produced in India in a ground-breaking study.
- The thorough investigation not only clarifies the vaccine’s long-term efficacy but also emphasizes how important it is in the fight against typhoid.
- The lifespan and efficacy of the typhoid vaccine produced in India are better understood thanks to this research, which also opens the door to future developments in public health tactics.
About Typhoid
- Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, also referred to as Salmonella Typhi, is the primary cause of typhoid fever, a severe and potentially fatal systemic infection.
- The sole carrier status of this bacterial strain in humans—no other animal carrier for Salmonella Typhi has been found—is one of its distinguishing features.
- Typhoid fever is distinct from many other infectious diseases due to its human-specific transmission, which highlights the need of comprehending and managing this pathogen in the context of human health.
How does the transmission of typhoid occur?
- The oral-faecal route of typhoid fever transmission involves consuming tainted food or drink.
- Approximately one in twenty people who recover from typhoid becomes a “carrier.”
- They have bacteria in their urine and excrement, and even though they show no symptoms of illness, they can infect others for up to a year and a half.
- Many typhoid endemic countries have a high risk of typhoid fever for travelers. This encompasses portions of Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Asia (particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), and the Middle East.
Symptoms of Typhoid
- Typhoid symptoms and indicators can range from moderate to severe, can go untreated for around one month, and include fever, lethargy, and malaise.
- (all-around feeling sick), headache, sore throat, and ongoing cough.
Prevention of typhoid
Typhoid Vaccine:
- The typhoid vaccine is available as an oral medication or a one-off injection.
Capsule:
- For adults and children over the age of 6 years, this is a live, attenuated vaccine.
Shot:
- For adults and children over the age of 2 years, this is an inactivated vaccine a person needs to get 2 weeks before travel.
- The Typhoid vaccine is only 50–80% effective.
What treatment should be taken in typhoid:
Antibiotics must be taken quickly to treat typhoid fever.
Drug Resistance:
- The advent of drug-resistant forms of typhoid fever poses a danger to the efficacy of antibiotics in treating the illness.
- Because resistant types of bacteria exist, medications intended to eradicate them—such as antibiotics—no longer function against them, causing the disease to spread quickly and endangering public health.
- Since 2000, there has been a steady decrease in multi-drug-resistant (MDR) typhoid in Bangladesh and India, a minor increase in Pakistan, and a low level in Nepal.
For Further information read this article.
FAQs
Q1: Is there a specific typhoid vaccine available in India?
A1: Yes, there are several typhoid vaccines available in India, including oral and injectable options.
Q2: Who should get vaccinated against typhoid in India?
A2: Typhoid vaccination is recommended for individuals traveling to high-risk areas, and it is also advised for certain populations in endemic regions.
Q3: How effective is the typhoid vaccine in India?
A3: The efficacy of the typhoid vaccine can vary depending on the type of vaccine. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Q4: Are typhoid vaccines part of routine immunization in India?
A4: Typhoid vaccination may be included in routine immunization schedules in some regions of India. Check with local healthcare authorities for specific recommendations.
Q5: What is typhoid fever?
A5: Typhoid fever is a potentially life-threatening systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi.
Q6: How is typhoid transmitted?
A6: Typhoid is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, often due to poor sanitation.
Q7: Is there a specific carrier for Salmonella Typhi?
A7: Yes, Salmonella Typhi, the causative agent of typhoid, is carried exclusively by humans, with no identified animal carriers.
Q8 : What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?
A8: Symptoms include high fever, abdominal pain, weakness, and gastrointestinal issues. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
