[Incidence of typhoid fever in our environment. Analysis in Guipúzcoa]

Abstract

Based in 184 cases of Typhoid Fever bacteriologically demonstrated in the past 14 years (greater than 90% of all cases registered in the whole province), we have observed that, with the exception of some epidemic outbreaks, the disease has been constantly present during all these years, with a higher incidence between August and November. Salmonella typhi infected primarily young adults, its distribution being similar to the one among the general population. 49% of cases were males. The estimated incidence rate of the disease during this period was 2-3 per 100,000 population. A seroepidemiological study among healthy women with ages between 20 and 40 years showed a seroprevalence of anti-H:d antibodies greater than or equal to 1/40 of 1%. Although the epidemiological situation of Typhoid fever in our environment is not as bad as it has been referred in reports and textbooks, an effort is needed to situate the problem at the appropriate level, given our geographical situation and our economical development.