What is the difference between typhoid fever and malaria?
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread through contaminated food or water, while malaria is a parasitic mosquito-borne disease spread by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Both cause fever and weakness, but they have different causes, ways of spreading, diagnosis and treatment.[1,2]
Continue reading this guide to learn about the differences between malaria and typhoid fever.
Overview of typhoid fever
Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. It mainly spreads when food or water is contaminated with human faeces carrying the germ. Typical signs include a gradually rising high fever, stomach pain, headache, weakness and sometimes a faint pink rash that appears on fair skin. Timely antibiotics usually cure typhoid, but delayed or incomplete treatment can lead to complications and ongoing carriage of the bacteria.[3]
Overview of malaria
Malaria is caused by several species of the Plasmodium parasite and is passed on by certain mosquitoes. Early symptoms are high fever, chills and headache. Some infections can progress very quickly to serious illness with difficulty in breathing, confusion or seizures. Malaria’s prevention and control focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and, for travellers, taking preventive medicines when advised.[4]
Key differences between typhoid fever vs malaria[3,4,5,6]
| Feature | Typhoid | Malaria |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi | Caused by the parasite Plasmodium |
| Transmission | Spreads through contaminated food and water | Spreads through bites of infected mosquitoes |
| Vector or carrier | Spreads person to person | Transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes |
| Incubation period | Usually 6 to 30 days after exposure | Usually 7 to 30 days after a mosquito bite |
| Prevention | Safe food and water habits, hand hygiene and vaccination | Mosquito control, insect repellent, bed nets and preventive medication |
| Vaccine availability | The WHO recommends typhoid vaccines for both children and adults | The WHO recommends two malaria vaccines for children in at-risk areas |
Symptoms comparison: How to tell them apart[2,5]
Typhoid vs malaria’s symptoms are similar to each other, and may sometimes overlap.
Typhoid typically features a stepwise, progressively higher fever with stomach pain, headache, and sometimes a rash of ‘rose spots’.
Malaria usually causes sudden fever with chills, sweating and severe tiredness, while breathing difficulty, jaundice or dark urine may appear in severe cases.
Diagnosis: How doctors confirm the infection[3,7]
For typhoid, doctors rely on blood tests to detect the bacterium.
For malaria, diagnosis is by examining a blood sample (rapid tests or microscopy) to detect the parasite.
An accurate travel and exposure history helps the doctor choose the right test for diagnosis of typhoid and malaria.
Treatment options[2,7]
Typhoid is treated with antibiotics chosen to match local resistance patterns. Most patients experience improvement in symptoms within a few days if they consult the doctor promptly.
Malaria treatment depends on the parasite type and severity. Some forms are treated with simple oral medicines, while severe malaria needs urgent intravenous therapy.
Early treatment for both reduces complications.
Co-infection: Can you have typhoid and malaria together?
Yes, it is possible to have both infections at the same time, especially in areas where both are common. Co-infection can make diagnosis harder and may require tests and treatments for both diseases, guided by your doctor.
Conclusion
Malaria and typhoid’s comparison
Typhoid and malaria are both serious infections that thrive in similar environments, but they differ in cause, transmission and treatment. Prevention of typhoid and malaria can be done with good hygiene, mosquito control and awareness, typhoid has an added layer of protection since effective vaccines are available. Consult your doctor about vaccination and take precautions to stay safe and healthy.
FAQs
What is the main difference between typhoid and malaria?
Typhoid is bacterial and spreads through contaminated food or water, while malaria is a parasitic illness spread by mosquitoes.
Can a person get both typhoid and malaria at the same time?
Yes, co-infections can occur, particularly in places where both diseases are common.
Which is more dangerous, malaria or typhoid?
Typhoid and malaria’s causes are different, but both can be dangerous. Severe malaria can progress very quickly and be fatal without prompt treatment. Untreated typhoid can also cause serious complications, but the disease can be prevented with vaccination. Early diagnosis and treatment lower the risk of both.
How can typhoid be prevented?
Typhoid prevention focuses on safe food and water, good hand hygiene and vaccination when recommended for people in or travelling to high-risk areas.
Is there a vaccine for typhoid fever and malaria?
Typhoid vaccines are recommended for people who are living in or are travelling to endemic areas. For malaria, there are preventive medicines that are available. Speak to your doctor about options.
Resources
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malaria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351184
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17730-typhoid-fever
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malaria
- https://www.cdc.gov/malaria/about/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/about/index.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/malaria/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351190
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.