Typhoid fever: an epidemiologic survey of suspected cases referred to diagnostic laboratories in Rasht, 2002-2003

ABSTRACT

Typhoid fever has been endemic in Iran throughout its history. This Study was conducted in response to the rising number of cases reported from Rasht [capital of Gilan province in northern Iran]. we performed a descriptive study on 2031 suspected cases referred to city's diagnostic laboratories in 2002 and 2003. A [definite] diagnosis was defined as Vidal test titers rising 80-fold or more over a period of one week, or a positive bacteriologic test. We completed questionnaires for the definite cases, and used the EPI-INFO computer package to analyze the data. The serologic prevalence was 3.94%, and 25% of the seropositive individuals had positive bacterial cultures. The geometric mean of the reciprocal titers [GMRT] was 1 1 80. The prevalence was the same in both sexes and among all age groups. Factors showing a statistically significant relationship with prevalence include occupation [the greatest frequency was seen in housewives], education level, place of residence, and source of drinking water. We conclude that high prevalence rates coupled with the ecological conditions in this area could favor the occurrence of salmonellosis outbreaks the issue requires more extensive research for further clarification