Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Objective: To study clinical profile of enteric fever and to analyze clinical features, laboratory results, Serum Widal test, blood culture and antibiotic sensitivity, the response to treatment and outcome.
Materials and Methods: Prospective, observational study at BJ Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad from 1st August, 2018 to 31st July, 2020.
Inclusion Criteria:
    Age between 6 months and 12 years diagnosed as having Enteric fever with
    Serum Widal titer O/H/both O and H >= 1:160 and/or blood culture showing Salmonella typhi
Methodology: After written informed consent from the guardian of the patient and approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee, detailed history was taken according to predefined proforma along with complete physical examination. Necessary laboratory investigations were done and blood culture was taken by proper method. Appropriate treatment was instituted as per hospital protocol. All cases were observed for progress in the ward and observations were noted in the proforma. 
Statistical Methods: Quantitative data was expressed in mean, median and mode. Qualitative data was expressed in percentage. All analysis was carried out using Microsoft Excel and social statistics calculator.
Results: Clinical profiles of 135 patients were studied, constituting 1.3% of total admissions during the period of study. Widal test was positive in 92.5% while blood culture in 17%. Most patients showed sensitivity to third generation cephalosporins. All the patients were discharged. 
Conclusion: Blood culture is the gold standard for diagnosis and helps plan treatment as per antibiotic sensitivity while Serum Widal lacks sensitivity and specificity. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with health education and encouragement for Typhoid vaccine is necessary.