Typhusaka spotted fever It has existed since ancient times. It has been one of the most devastating diseases throughout history, especially in times of war. Typhus outbreak It was first recorded during the Spanish army siege of Granada in 1489.
Right now, typhus diseaseHas been recorded in certain parts of the world such as East Africa, Asia, as well as some regions in Central and South America.
To date, there are no known vaccines for the treatment and prevention of this disease, except for improved hygiene practices, the use of antibiotics and effective insecticides.
In recent studies typhus formationIt was revealed that there is a significant decrease in water.
In the article “What is typhus disease "," how is typhus transmitted "," what causes typhus " topics will be discussed.
What is Typhus?
Typhusis a bacterial disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Bacterial disease or infection is spread by fleas, lice or mites.
The infection is spread from arthropods, meaning invertebrate animals such as mites, lice or ticks transmit the bacteria through biting.
The insect bite leaves a mark on the body, which can open up the skin further when scratched. Bacteria reach the bloodstream when they come into contact with open skin; continues to reproduce and grow.
Typhusis a vector-borne bacterial disease; There are endemic and epidemic types.
The epidemic type in particular has a long and deadly history.
Risk factors for typhus disease include visiting or living in areas with high populations of mice and other animals (for example, disaster areas, poverty-stricken areas, refugee camps, prisons) where vectors such as fleas and lice can carry the bacteria from animals.
Endemic typhus symptoms These include rashes that begin and spread on the trunk of the body, high fever, nausea, weakness, diarrhea and vomiting. Epidemic typhushas similar but more severe symptoms, including cutaneous hemorrhage, delirium, hypotension, and death.
TyphusIt is diagnosed by various tests (PCR, histological staining) based on patient history, physical examination, and immunological techniques.
Antibiotics are endemic and epidemic typhus used to treat.
Prognosis of endemic typhus usually good to excellent but prognosis of epidemic typhuscan range from good to bad with early effective treatment, and the elderly often have the worst prognosis.
Hygiene and clean living conditions that reduce or eliminate exposure to rats, mice and other animals and their vectors (lice, fleas) typhus type can prevent or reduce the risk for endemic or epidemic typhus There is no vaccine against it.
Usually, you can get this disease in the event of an insect bite. It is not transmitted from one person to another like the flu or common cold.
Infected lice, fleas or mites found in small animals such as mice, squirrels, and cats are the means of bacterial infection.
In addition, insects become carriers of the infection when they feed on the blood of an infected rodent or an infected person.
Ways of Typhus TransmissionThe most common is contact with bedding infested by bacteria-bearing arthropods.
Likewise, the infection can be spread through the arthropod feces. If you scratch the bitten area where mice or lice feed, bacteria in the feces enter the bloodstream from wounds in the area exposed to the scratch.
In crowded places such as travel hostels, places with lots of bushes and unhygienic public toilets typhus is likely to occur.
What are the Causes and Types of Typhus?
There are three different types. Each species is caused by a different specific bacteria and is spread through different arthropod species.
Epidemic typhus due to epidemic disease
It is caused by the bacteria "Rickettsia prowazekii" and body lice are the carriers of this infection. It can also be transmitted through ticks.
Micro-abrasions on the skin act as the medium for pathogen-loaded fecal matter to enter the bloodstream.
The infection can be found all over the world, but is generally found in areas that promote lice infestation, such as poor cleaning and overpopulated places.
Epidemic typhusis the most serious and common form, as it can affect large numbers of populations in a short time.
Murine typhus or endemic typhus
It is caused by the bacteria "Rickettsia typhi". It is transmitted by cat fleas or mouse fleas. The murine species is not limited to a particular region, as it spreads around the world.
However, it is found prominently in regions with tropical and subtropical climates. It is easily transmitted to people who are in close contact with rats.
Scrub typhus
It is caused by the bacteria "Orientia tsutsugamushi". This species is most commonly found in Australia, Asia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. Carriers are bacteria that feed on the infected blood of a person or a rodent.
What Are the Symptoms of Typhus?
All three types mentioned above have different symptoms. However, there are some common symptoms, albeit a few;
Scrub typhusSymptoms begin to appear within the first ten days after being bitten. Unlike the other two types, this type can be fatal for people suffering from all sorts of serious illnesses as it can result in bleeding and organ failure. Its symptoms are as follows;
Rashes
Enlargement of lymph nodes
Mental confusion and coma in advanced situations
Body and muscle pain
Fever and chills
- Severe headache
- A dark, crust-like formation in the bite area.
What are the Typhus Risk Factors?
typhus risk factorsLiving in or visiting areas where the disease is endemic. These include many port cities with high rat populations and areas where litter accumulates and hygiene may be low.
Disaster areas, homeless camps, poverty-stricken areas and other similar situations that allow rodents to come into close contact with humans pose the greatest threat. These are cholera, tuberculosis and the same conditions that lead to epidemics of viral diseases such as the flu.
Spring and summer are when fleas (and ticks) are most active, but infections can occur at any time of the year.
How Is Typhus Treated?
Although there is no specific treatment for this disease, antibiotics are used today. Practice varies depending on the people affected.
– Doxycycline is the most preferred treatment method. It can be given to people of all ages. It has been determined that doxycycline gives the most effective result in the shortest time.
– Chloramphenicol is mostly used in individuals who are not pregnant or breastfeeding. Generally epidemic typhus applies to.
- Individuals who cannot take the antibiotic doxycycline are given ciprofloxacin.
What Are the Complications of Typhus?
If not treated, typhus can cause serious and even fatal complications:
– Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Enlarged spleen
– Inflammation of the heart muscle or valves
- Internal bleeding
- Kidney naughty
Liver damage
Low blood pressure
- Pneumonia
Septic shock
How to Prevent Typhus?
There is no specific way to prevent the occurrence of this disease. II. For the epidemic during World War II typhus vaccine Although the number of cases has been developed, the number of declining cases has stopped vaccine production.
Since there is no specific drug for bacterial disease, to prevent the development of typhus You should take the following measures.
- One of the easiest prevention methods is to prevent the reproduction of pests and lice that spread the disease.
- Always pay attention to personal hygiene.
- Avoid traveling to overpopulated areas with poor hygiene quality.
Use insect repellents.
- Cover yourself when traveling to vegetative areas.
Is Typhus Fatal?
There have been reports of fatalities for this disease before the 20th century, especially epidemic typhus of type. Nowadays, as people become more aware of the importance of hygiene, fewer deaths are reported.
Numerous deaths have been reported among older adults and malnourished people without a strong immune system.
Epidemic typhus In cases where treatment is not performed, deaths may occur. Typhus diagnosis children who have been put mostly recover.
typhus and typhoid
Although it sounds similar typhus ve typhus are different diseases.
Typhus Like typhoid fever, it is a bacterial infection. A species found in humans, contaminated food and water salmonella from contact with bacteria typhus gets. In addition, typhoid fever can be caught from the feces of people and animals carrying the disease.
The following factors can help reduce the risk of typhoid infection:
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