What is enteric fever caused by?

Enteric fever, often associated with typhoid fever, is caused specifically by Salmonella typhi. This bacterium is responsible for systemic infections and has a distinct pathophysiology that leads to the clinical manifestations of enteric fever. The illness is characterized by prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and can result in serious complications if not treated properly.

Salmonella typhi is transmitted through contaminated food and water and has a particularly invasive nature, allowing it to breach the intestinal barrier and enter the bloodstream, which is a key aspect of enteric fever. This systemic infection can result in bacteremia and potentially affect multiple organ systems. Its ability to survive in the human body and evade the immune response contributes to the severity and persistence of the illness.

In contrast, the other bacteria listed—Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Clostridium difficile—are associated with different types of gastrointestinal illnesses. Escherichia coli can cause a variety of infections, including gastroenteritis, but is not the causative agent of enteric fever. Vibrio cholerae is responsible for cholera, characterized by severe diarrhea and dehydration, while Clostridium difficile is primarily associated with antibiotic-related colitis. Each of these organisms has