Typhoid Fever in Southern Taiwan: A Medical Center Experience

Background: Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S. typhi). Growing communication between Taiwan and neighboring regions in recent years could be an important source of typhoid fever. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of typhoid fever treated at a medical center in southern Taiwan. Methods: The study group consisted of 33 patients (aged 1-68 years) who had clinical symptoms and culture-confirmed typhoid fever. They were studied over a 20-year period from January 1987 to December 2006 at a tertiary referral hospital in southern Taiwan. Their medical records were reviewed and clinical data were collected. Results: The study group included 17 males and 16 females. They were divided into two groups: group I (≤ 17 years; n= 14) and group II (> 17 years; n= 19). Only one patient (7.1%) in group I had a history of travel, compared with 47.4% (n = 9) in group II (p= 0.045). Patients in group I also had less chills (group I vs. group II = 7.1% vs. 57.9%, p = 0.004). A higher proportion of group I patients had respiratory problems (cough, group I vs. group II = 57.1% vs. 26.3%) and a higher proportion of group II patients developed complications (group I vs. group II = 14.3% vs. 36.8%), but the differences were not significant. Conclusion: Pediatric patients with typhoid fever in southern Taiwan had less history of travel and developed fewer chills than adult patients. Careful examination and familiarity with the clinical manifestations are important factors in the early diagnosis of typhoid fever.