COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

*TYPHUS*

DEFINITION

infection disease that are

caused by Rickettsia
organisms.
an acute febrile illness.

E
TI
O
L
O
G
Y

caused
by
Rickettsi
a
bacteria.
cannot
survive
for long
outside
living
cell.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
A Rickettsia bites a human
caused a pruritic reaction on skin
host scratches the site, the lice are
crushed and bite the wound
the Rickettsia travel to the blood stream

INCUBATION PERIOD

12 days for the typhus

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

transmitted by body lice to

new human host .

SIGN & SYMPTOM

Chills
bad cough
high fever (40 degree)
joint pain
low Blood Pressure
rashes
photophobia(sensitivity to light)
severe headache
enlargement of lymphatic gland
spleenomegaly

RISK FACTOR

low immunity
malnutrition
incomplete antibiotic
therapy

INVESTIGATION

complete blood count (CBC)

may show a low white blood cell
count, anemia, and low platelet.
LFT may show low albumin
levels.
skin biopsy specimen can be
used to diagnose the condition.

TREATMENT
Antibiotic :

Doxycycline(doryx,vibramycin)
Chloramphenicol.
Tetracycline
Azithromycin

PREVENTION
avoid overcrowding.
wear protective clothing ( long
sleeved shirts , long pants) in
endemic areas.
practice good personal hygiene
including frequent bathing and
frequent changing of clothes.