Outbreak of Paratyphoid Fever in New Delhi
Author Information
Author(s): Arti Kapil, Seema Sood, V.P. Reddaiah, Bimal Das, Pradeep Seth
Primary Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
The outbreak of paratyphoid fever was suspected due to increased isolation rates of S. Paratyphi A.
Conclusion
Epidemiologic evidence suggests that the outbreak was likely waterborne.
Supporting Evidence
- S. Paratyphi A has been responsible for 3% to 17% of cases of enteric fever in India.
- Thirty-six cases of culture-positive enteric fever due to S. Paratyphi A were reported.
- All patients responded to ciprofloxacin treatment.
- Water samples did not contain fecal coliform, and soil samples did not contain salmonellae.
Takeaway
A group of people got sick from a type of bacteria called S. Paratyphi A, and it might have come from their water supply.
Methodology
Investigators distributed a questionnaire and collected data on demographics, fever history, food consumption, festival attendance, and water supply.
Limitations
The organism could not be isolated from the water or soil by the time the outbreak was suspected.
Participant Demographics
Most cases were in young adults with a male to female ratio of 2:1.
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