Question

Describe Typhoid disease on the basis of following points?
i. Name of the pathogen
ii. Test for the confirmation of the disease
iii. Ways of infection
iv. Main symptoms of disease
v. Diagram showing a structure of an antibody molecule

Answer 1

Hint: This bacterial infection spreads by contaminated water and food. Carriers who don't know they are carrying the bacteria can even pass it on to them.

Complete answer:
i. Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria that can lead to high fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting, may be serious.

ii. The diagnosis of the disease is confirmed by any culture of blood, bone marrow, or stool, and with the Widal test (demonstration of O-somatic and H-flagellar antibodies to Salmonella antigens). In epidemics and less affluent nations, following the exclusion of measles, dysentery, or pneumonia, a therapeutic trial time with chloramphenicol is usually performed while awaiting the results of the blood and stool Widal test and culture.

iii. The bacteria that cause typhoid fever spread through contaminated food or water and often by direct contact with an infected person. Most cases result from polluted drinking water and poor sanitation in the developing world where typhoid fever (endemic) is developed.

iv. Symptoms usually begin within 6 to 30 days of bacterial exposure. Typhoid has two main symptoms: fever and rash. The rash, not affecting every patient, is made up of rose-coloured spots, particularly on the neck and abdomen. Symptoms can sometimes include discomfort, diarrhoea, and vomiting, but usually this isn't serious.

v. The structure of antibody molecule:

A Y-shaped structure consisting of four polypeptides - two hard chains and two light chains - is an antibody or immunoglobulin.
This structure enables molecules of antibodies to perform their dual functions: antigen binding, and regulation of biological activity.

Note: Hygiene and sanitation are important to avoid typhoid. It can only occur in areas where human waste can enter food or drinking water. Careful preparation of food and hand-washing have greatly contributed to the elimination of typhoid fever.