Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations of Typhoid Fever

Irakoze Mukamana S.

School of Applied Health Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Typhoid fever, an infectious disease caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. Typhi), poses a significant public health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with inadequate sanitation and hygiene. This review explores the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of typhoid fever, highlighting the complex interaction between the bacterium and the host immune system. The disease transmission primarily occurs via the fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water. After ingestion, S. Typhi survives the gastric environment and invades the intestinal epithelium, employing strategies to evade the immune response, particularly within macrophages. The clinical presentation of typhoid fever includes prolonged fever, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and potential complications such as intestinal perforation. Diagnosis typically relies on blood cultures and emerging molecular techniques, while management involves antibiotic therapy, supportive care, and public health measures, including vaccination and improved sanitation practices. Understanding the disease’s pathogenesis and manifestations is essential for timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and the development of strategies to reduce the burden of typhoid fever globally.

Keywords: Typhoid fever, Salmonella enterica, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, infection, public health, sanitation, vaccination, antibiotic resistance, fecal-oral transmission.

CITE AS: Irakoze Mukamana S. (2025). Pathogenesis and Clinical Manifestations of Typhoid Fever. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 5(1):60-63. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2025/516063