Typhoid Specialist Doctor Near Me Enteric fever or typhoid is characterized by severe systemic illness with fever and abdominal pain. The organism classically responsible for typhoid is Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. Paratyphi A, B, or C, can cause a similar syndrome. Humans are the only reservoir for S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A. The term enteric fever is a collective term that refers to both typhoid and paratyphoid fever. Enteric fever usually presents with abdominal pain, fever, and chills approximately 5 to 21 days after ingestion of the causative microorganism. Treatment of typhoid has been complicated by the development of antimicrobial resistance. The treatment should always be initiated under the guidance of a specialist only. Patients with severe disease should be treated initially with a parenteral antibiotic. Successful treatment in uncomplicated cases usually results in clinical improvement within three to five days, with fever clearance at four to six days. Enteric fever results from the ingestion of contaminated food or water; attention to food safety is important for travelers to regions where sanitation and personal hygiene may be poor. Three vaccines are available globally for protection against S. Typhi : parenteral Vi polysaccharide vaccine, live oral S. Typhi vaccine strain Ty21a, and parenteral Vi conjugate vaccine. None of these vaccines offer complete protection, and periodic revaccination is needed if exposure risk continues. In endemic areas, the WHO recommends implementation of national typhoid vaccine programs, preferably with a conjugate typhoid vaccine. The guidance from a specialist should always be sought for advice regarding the right vaccination.