Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever, infectious disease due to Salmonella typhosa, causing fever, a characteristic rash, lymph node and spleen enlargement, gastrointestinal tract disturbance with bleeding and ulceration, and usually marked malaise or prostration. It is contracted from other cases or from disease carriers, with contaminated food and water as major vectors. Carriers must be treated with antibiotics (and have their gall bladder removed if this site is the source). Vaccination may help protect high-risk persons; antibiotics (e.g., chloramphenicol) form the treatment of choice.