Extensive Drug-Resistant Typhoid Fever Prevention and Management in Pakistan: A Challenge to Public Health

Abstract

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that largely spreads through contamination in food and water, as well as close contact, and displays many cold-like symptoms in addition to more severe gastrointestinal, muscle, and life-threatening states. The emergence of a new, extensive drug-resistant (XDR) strain in Hyderabad, Pakistan in 2016 resulted in the need for stronger antimicrobials to combat the pathogen. Despite vaccination and contact tracing interventions, the multi-drug resistance and fitness of the H58 strain Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi contributed to rapid spread of typhoid fever in Pakistan. Vaccination is at the forefront of efforts attempting to combat XDR typhoid fever cases in Pakistan, and public education systems and schools should prioritize health classes that pertain to the spread of disease, and what steps individuals can take to be safe, as well as social media infographics circulated through Instagram and Facebook with popular hashtags to reach target audiences. A robust and forward-thinking approach needs to be taken by the Pakistani government to use its budget and international funding in the sectors of health and education to ensure disease prevention.