Enteric fever includes typhoid fever (an infection caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi) and paratyphoid fever (infections caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serotypes Paratyphi A, B or rarely, C) Paratyphoid fever is
clinically indistinguishable from typhoid fever and the diagnosis and clinical management is identical. In South Africa, enteric fever is a notifiable condition with epidemic potential.
Blood culture is the recommended diagnostic test for acute disease. Stool cultures are usually positive in acute typhoid fever from the second week of illness only. Stool cultures or rectal swabs are indicated for follow-up of cases after completion of treatment to monitor shedding and document clearance, or
to screen for carriage in contacts. Urine cultures are not routinely
recommended for laboratory diagnosis.
Click here for the Enteric Fever Case Investigation Form
Typhoid/Salmonella Testing