Treating Typhoid and the Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. While it mainly spreads through contaminated food or water, it is particularly significant in places like India with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Antibiotics are most commonly prescribed for the treatment of typhoid fever. However, typhoid is slowly becoming harder to treat because of the global rise of antimicrobial resistance.
With the misuse of antibiotics among the general population, there is a rise of drug resistant strains of Salmonella typhi, which does not respond to typically used typhoid fever medications. This makes treatment more complex, expensive, and in some cases, ineffective. As the incidences of AMR continue to grow, preventing typhoid through vaccines is the only reliable strategy to reduce the number of infections and curb the spread of resistant strains.
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Antimicrobials are medicines used to fight infections caused by bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) happens when these medicines become ineffective in treating these infections, increasing the risk of these diseases and leading to serious complications.
In the case of typhoid fever, antibiotics overuse or misuse by patients has led to the emergence of antimicrobial resistant strains of Salmonella typhi, making commonly used typhoid fever medication ineffective. In some countries, this has also developed into a version of an extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid, which is resistant to almost five different types of antibiotics, and can quickly spread through travel.
The consequences of AMR in the treatment of typhoid
Increasing Salmonella typhi resistance towards antimicrobials can have a significant consequence for global public health. If left unchecked, it can lead to complicated and prolonged treatment. Patients may require alternative and stronger dosages of antibiotics which are often only in injectable form to recover. Antibiotic resistant infections caused by Salmonella typhi can also lead to more severe illnesses and long-term health complications in other organs and may even lead to death.
Typhoid patients infected with strains of AMR bacteria will have a higher cost of healthcare and treatment, as it requires a more extensive medication intervention and longer stays at the hospital.
Vaccination is the key to prevention
As the threat of antimicrobial resistance continues to rise, the most effective strategy for preventing typhoid is vaccination. While antibiotics are usually taken after the infection (and therefore contribute to resistance), vaccines are given beforehand as a prevention measure, meaning they are far less likely to drive drug resistant typhoid.
Vaccination can also help curb the emergence of newer, more potent, drug-resistant strains by reducing the number of infections.
Since typhoid is often perceived as a childhood disease, this misconception tends to discourage adults from getting vaccinated. In fact, typhoid can affect anyone who accidentally ingests contaminated food or water. Although children under 15 are the most affected, adults also face a risk, making vaccination a crucial step for everyone. Typhoid conjugate vaccines are licensed for adults up to 65 years of age.
Conclusion
As antimicrobial resistant typhoid becomes more common, relying solely on antibiotics is no longer an option. Misuse of antibiotics has only fueled the rise of resistant strains, making treatment more difficult. Vaccination provides a proactive and reliable way to curb infections, prevent the spread of resistant bacteria and safeguard children and adults from the serious health risks of typhoid. By prioritising vaccination, we can reduce the burden of typhoid and fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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Disclaimer: A public awareness initiative by Bharat Biotech International Limited. This information is for general awareness only and does not constitute medical advice. The doctors, medical facilities and graphics shown are for illustrative purposes only. For any medical advice or any question or concern you may have regarding your condition, consult your doctor.