Typhoid & Parathyroid fevers
Investigations
Blood culture is the most important diagnostic method in a sus-
pected case. Blood count typically shows leucopenia. The faeces
will contain the organism more frequently during the 2nd and
3rd wks.
Management
Ciprofloxacin (500 mg 4 times daily) is the drug of choice, although resistance is rising in India and the UK. Ceftriaxone or azithromycin
is an alternative. Treatment should be continued for 14 days; pyrexia may persist for up to 5 days after the start of specific therapy.
Improved sanitation and living conditions, and vaccination of travellers reduce the incidence of typhoid. davidson