The social and clinical correlates of typhoid fever infection in Zaria, Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to assess the socio-demographic and clinical variables in typhoid infection in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Such parameters as age, sex, occupation and places of residence as well as the prescription pattern for typhoid treatment were evaluated. This retrospective, non experimental study involved the collection of case records (files) of patients admitted in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria for typhoid fever for a five-year period. Retrieval of the data was done manually. A total of 118 cases were analyzed, some of the records required for analysis were missing, and were excluded. Most of the typhoid infections studied (66.5%) occurred during the rainy season in Zaria (May - November) with 40.7% of cases at the beginning of the rainy season (May / June). More females (55.3%), of all age and occupational groups were affected with higher incidences in young adults and students. Most of the patients (66.5%) were urban dwellers and the incidence between patients using well water and tap water was similar. Ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics; chloramphenicol use is still relatively common despite the 12.4% mortality and 28% relapse rate recorded. The findings of this study highlight the public health and social services challenges of typhoid infection in the Zaria metropolis. Communities, health authorities and governments should therefore focus more attention on preventive measures in view of the high costs of these newer antibiotics which now form the core of treatment of typhoid fever. Most patients will find this treatment modality unaffordable, taking into cognizance the socio-economic environment of Zaria.