RESUMO
Typhoid fever continues to escape swift diagnosis, even in an endemic country. Another added problem is the development of multidrug resistant typhoid fever [MRTF]. In order to throw some light on the current status of typhoid fever in children and adults in Egypt, this study comprised 56 patients [21 patients below 15 years of age] with culture proven Typhoid fever. Routine investigations were conducted with special emphasis on the recent technique for culture of Mononuclear cell platelet [MNCP] fraction of blood and MUCAP test for identification of colonies. Quantitative blood culture was performed for all cases before treatment. Treatment was started with chloramphenicol. Non responders [22 cases] were treated by cephotaxime, quinolone [for cases older than 15 years only] and ceftriaxone. Results were discussed and possible explanations given we concluded that blood culture is considered the most reliable method of diagnosis. Culture of Mononuclear cell platelet [MNCP] fraction of blood proved an insensitive though rapid technique for culture. MUCAP test was a rapid and sensitive method for identification of the organism. Treatment with chloramphericol remains the first step. In case of failure, ceftraxone, though expensive, is both safe and effective for children and adults