Prevalence of Typhoidal Salmonella Infections and Associated Risk factors in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Salmonella species Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, types A, B, and C are the causative agents of enteric fever. This disease continues to pose a severe threat to public health, especially in developing countries. This study investigated the prevalence of typhoidal Salmonella infections and the associated risk factors in Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. Methods: A questionnaire was used to obtain information from 250 patients attending four selected government hospitals and 50 healthy individuals as the control. Blood samples from participants were obtained to determine the blood groups and genotypes, and stool specimens were used to isolate typhoidal Salmonella species. Results: Thirty cases were among symptomatic patients and two among controls showing a total prevalence of 10.6%. Among the 32 isolates, 25 were S. typhi (78.1%), and seven were S. paratyphi A (21.9%), revealing an approximate ratio of 4:1. Factors significantly associated with the infection prevalence included age, source of drinking water, and frequency of infection. Blood groups and genotypes were not statistically associated with the infection; however, individuals with blood group O and genotype AA were more commonly infected. Also, females, the age group 20-29, singles, and unemployed, showed more infections. Conclusion: The prevalence, the ratio of typhoidal Salmonella species, and the associated risk factors call for public health and control measures, including the provision of suitable drinking water and improving living and sanitary conditions.

Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting the Prevalence of Typhoid Fever Among Febrile Patients in Kebbi State, Nigeria

“…The remaining 380 negative blood cultures are clinically presumptive of typhoid fever. Comparatively similar studies in Nigeria by Omotola et al (2020), Ethiopia by Habte et al (2018) and Egypt by Srikantiah et al (2006) have been reported. A study by Sharanya et al (2016) in India reported a higher culture-confirmed Salmonella Typhi (16%).…”