ENTERIC FEVER Meaning and
Definition
-
Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever, is a serious systemic infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. It is characterized by fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms caused by the invasion of the bacteria into the intestinal tract.
This infectious disease is primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, often due to poor hygiene and sanitation practices. Once ingested, the bacteria multiply in the small intestine, invade the bloodstream, and then spread to various organs including the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.
The symptoms of enteric fever usually begin gradually and include a sustained high fever, headache, weakness, and malaise. Additional symptoms may include a dry cough, constipation, or diarrhea with characteristic rose-colored spots on the abdomen. If left untreated, severe complications can arise such as intestinal bleeding, perforation, or even death.
Diagnosis of enteric fever involves clinical evaluation, blood cultures, and sometimes stool cultures to confirm the presence of Salmonella Typhi. Treatment typically involves the administration of antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones or cephalosporins, to eliminate the bacteria and shorten the duration of the illness. Adequate hydration and rest are important for recovery.
Prevention of enteric fever is best achieved through safe food and water practices, including washing hands before handling food, avoiding consumption of raw or undercooked foods, and drinking only treated or boiled water. Additionally, vaccination against typhoid is available and recommended for individuals at higher risk, particularly those traveling to endemic regions.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ENTERIC FEVER
- wnteric fever
- snteric fever
- dnteric fever
- rnteric fever
- 4nteric fever
- 3nteric fever
- ebteric fever
- emteric fever
- ejteric fever
- ehteric fever
- enreric fever
- enferic fever
- engeric fever
- enyeric fever
- en6eric fever
- en5eric fever
- entwric fever
- entsric fever
- entdric fever
Etymology of ENTERIC FEVER
The word "enteric fever" comes from the combination of two elements: "enteric" and "fever".
1. Enteric: The term "enteric" is derived from the Greek word "enteron", meaning "intestine" or "gut". It is often used medically to refer to conditions relating to the intestines or the gastrointestinal system as a whole.
2. Fever: The word "fever" originates from the Old English word "fefer" which means "fever" or "feverishness". It has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "febră" and the Proto-Indo-European word "peb" meaning "to be feverish" or "hot".
Therefore, "enteric fever" refers to a feverish illness primarily affecting the intestines or gastrointestinal system, with the term "enteric" indicating its location.
Similar spelling words for ENTERIC FEVER
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
