International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Dr. Ashvini Kumar, Dr. Tej Pal

Abstract
Background: Typhoid fever is a preventable infectious disease caused by gram negative bacteria Salmonella typhii (S. typhi) and is still a major global threat to public health. It has high mortality and morbidity rate. The present study was conducted to assess profile of typhoid fever in children. Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in the department of pediatrics from year 2010- 2015. It included 326 children who diagnosed with typhoid fever if presented with fever (temperature >38°C) for at least 3 days and their blood culture yielded S. typhi. Common symptoms were also recorded. Results: Out of 326 patients, 156 were boys and 170 were girls. The difference was non-significant (P < 0.2). Patients <1year were 10 boys and 6 girls. 1-2 years had 13 boys and 7 girls. 2-5 years had 43 boys and 54 girls. 5-10 years had 57 boys and 80 girls. >10 years had 33 boys and 23 girls. The difference was non – significant (P > 0.05). Common symptoms were fever in boys (156) and girls (170), vomiting in boys (82) and girls (107), diarrhea in boys (45) and girls (58), coated tongue in boys (22) and girls (28), hepatomegaly in boys (132) and girls (140) and splenomegaly in boys (120) and girls (153). The difference was non - significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Typhoid fever is common among children. Proper sanitation and hygeine are important to prevent typhoid. Careful food preparation and washing of hands are crucial to prevent typhoid.