Abstract

Dr. Muhammad Azhar Sattar*, Dr. Muhammad Aamir Sattar and Dr. Zermina Tanvir

ABSTRACT

Background: Enteric fever caused by Salmonella typhi is a common endemic disease in our country. The vague manifestations of enteric fever make this disease a true diagnostic problem its diagnosis can be confirmed by blood culture that is very costly, not in economical range of every patient. Untreated, typhoid fever lead to serious illness that may progress to delirium, intestinal hemorrhage, intestinal perforation. Those who survivors may develop long-term or permanent neuropsychiatric complications. Enteric fever is common cause of pyrexia. It is a major public health problem in Pakistan. Objective: Aim of our study was to know the clinical profile and antibiotic pattern in use. Methodology: The total 100 patients were included in the study. A detailed history regarding mode of presentation, clinical course, treatment history, laboratory investigations reports, complications antibiotic sensitivity and resistance with the aim were noted. Results: Of the 100 Patients, 36 were females and 64 males. Most of the patients belongs to age group 31-40 years. None of the patients included in the study had taken typhoid vaccine in the past. The most common symptoms were fever (80%), abdominal pain (65%), vomiting (41%), anorexia (30%), and headache (40%) and cough (15%). Mean duration of hospital stay was 6.4 ± 1.6 days, and there was no mortality in our series. Most of the patients responded to treatment with ceftriaxone (90%). Conclusion: Clinical presentation, signs and symptoms of Typhoid fever patients are varying. Blood culture is the only test having high sensitivity and specificity. Irrational use of antibiotics is responsible for emerging resistance to all first line drugs. Health awareness campaign should be arranged on broad level, so that this disease could be prevented.