Paraenteric fever is a disease caused by Salmonella Paratyphi bacteria, and its spelling can be confusing to some. Using IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced /pæ.rə.ɛn.ˈtɛr.ɪk ˈfiːvər/. The stress falls on the second syllable of paraenteric, and the first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound. The "t" in "enteric" is silent, and the final "er" is pronounced with a schwa sound. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terminology is essential to effectively communicate with healthcare professionals.
Paraenteric fever is a medical condition characterized by a group of symptoms that are similar to those seen in enteric fever, but caused by a different type of bacteria. It is a form of fever that is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms and can be caused by a variety of bacteria, such as Yersinia enterocolitica or Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
The term "paraenteric" refers to the fact that the symptoms of this fever are similar to those of enteric fever, but the underlying cause is different. Enteric fever, also known as typhoid fever, is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.
The symptoms of paraenteric fever often include high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes a rash. These symptoms can be quite severe and may last for a few weeks or even longer.
Paraenteric fever is typically contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or water, or through direct contact with infected animals. It is more commonly seen in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Treatment for paraenteric fever usually involves antibiotics that are effective against the specific bacterial cause. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to provide supportive care, such as intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
Overall, paraenteric fever is a distinct condition that resembles enteric fever in its symptoms but has a different cause. Recognizing and diagnosing this condition accurately is important to ensure appropriate treatment and management.
A fever clinically resembling typhoid but not giving positive laboratory tests.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "paraenteric fever" has a straightforward etymology:
1. "Para-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "pará", meaning "beside" or "alongside".
2. "Enteric" is derived from the Greek word "enterikós", meaning "intestinal" or "relating to the intestines". It comes from the Greek word "énteron", which means "intestine".
3. "Fever" originates from the Old English word "fēfer" or "fefer", which ultimately traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic word "febraz" and the Proto-Indo-European word "dʰebʰ-", both meaning "fever" or "burning heat".
Combining all these components, "paraenteric fever" refers to a fever that occurs alongside or in conjunction with an Enteric or intestinal condition.