An Epidemiological study of Enteric Fever among children attending OPD of a tertiary Medical Institute situated in rural area

Abstract

Introduction: Typhoid fever is a commonly encountered systemic disease caused by the gram negative bacteria Salmonella entericaser over typhi. It is considered as one of the most serious infectious disease threats to public health on a global scale because of its rapid and widespread emergence of resistance to multiple antibiotics. Looking at the serious consequences of Enteric fever among children, it is important to know the burden of the problem with its correlates. This will help in formulating interventions for prevention and control. Methods: Primary caregivers (mother/father/ guardians) of 100 ill children aged 2–12 years who came to seek medical care in out-patient department (OPD) for their children were interviewed. Study subjects fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected by simple random sampling method. The study was conducted over a period of 7 months .Detailed Clinical Examination was done of all 100 children. Diagnosis was made on the basis of Suggestive clinical features & Serology by Widal test with titre of TO > 1:160 was taken as diagnostic. Results: Total of 100 cases of enteric fever case were Examined / seen in OPD / admitted during the study period. The leading clinical feature were fever , headache , followed by coated tongue & anorexia. Total 78 out of 100 suspected cases were Widal Positive. Positive and significant relationship was found between the source of drinking water, level of housing , Education of Parent & levels of earning with typhoid. Conclusion: This study presents important insight into the burden of Enteric fever in rural children. These findings can be used to plan future strategies for health education interventions in the community. There is a need to take immediate measures for prevention and control of Enteric fever in children. Awareness campaigns about the common causes & complications related to Typhoid are recommended