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Published on: October 27, 2013
Enteric fever in Mediterranean north Africa
Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh1, Ezzedin Franka, Khaled Tawil
1Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University of Medical Sciences, Tripoli, Libya. ghenghesh_micro@yahoo.com
Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Typhoid fever is common in North Africa, often from contaminated water. While drug-resistant strains exist, susceptible strains are reappearing, necessitating further study for control.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Typhoid fever is endemic in Mediterranean North African countries, with incidence rates of 10-100 cases per 100,000 persons.
- Outbreaks are frequently linked to consuming untreated or sewage-contaminated water.
- Salmonella enterica Paratyphi B is a notable cause of nosocomial enteric fever, particularly impacting infants with congenital anomalies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of enteric fever in the Mediterranean North African region.
- To inform public health strategies for disease prevention and control.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data on typhoid and paratyphoid fever in the region.
- Analysis of causative agents, transmission routes, and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
- Assessment of disease prevalence in local populations and returning travelers.
Main Results:
- Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a primary cause of outbreaks, often waterborne.
- Multidrug-resistant strains of Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi are prevalent.
- A resurgence of chloramphenicol- and ampicillin-susceptible strains has been observed.
Conclusions:
- Population-based studies are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of enteric fever epidemiology in North Africa.
- Findings will aid health authorities in developing targeted interventions for disease control.
- Continued surveillance is necessary to monitor antimicrobial resistance trends and guide treatment protocols.
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