Upsurging Paratyphoid Fever: A Study from Southern India

Abstract

Objectives: Enteric fever is still a major public health problem in an endemic country like India. Studies project that Salmonella Typhi is the most common cause in the pediatric population but with a recent rising trend in the number of cases due to Salmonella Paratyphi A with increased morbidity and mortality. Methods: A retrospective analysis of children who had been infected with laboratory-confirmed Salmonella serotypes of Typhi or Paratyphi A collected from November 2016 to October 2018, isolates underwent serotype confirmation, antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: A total of 29 isolates of Salmonella species were studied, which revealed an emergence of Salmonella Paratyphi A as predominant serotype accounting for 55.2% (16) cases with remaining 44.8% (13) cases being Salmonella Typhi. Conclusions: Physicians should be aware of the increasing incidence of infection due to Salmonella Paratyphi A and treatment options given its widespread antimicrobial resistance. A paratyphoid fever vaccine is urgently needed. Continued surveillance for paratyphoid fever will help guide future prevention and treatment recommendations.