typhoid fever

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typhoid fever (ty-foid) n. an infection of the digestive system by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, causing general weakness, high fever, a rash of red spots on the chest and abdomen, chills, sweating, and in serious cases inflammation of the spleen and bones, delirium, and erosion of the intestinal wall leading to haemorrhage. It is transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water. Treatment with such antibiotics as ciprofloxacin or chloramphenicol reduces the severity of symptoms. The TAB vaccine provides temporary immunity. Compare paratyphoid fever.

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