Diagnosis | Typhus

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of typhus is mainly made by examining the blood of the potentially infected person. Here, the pathogen can be directly detected using various methods. Alternatively, the antibodies that the body has produced in response to the infection can be detected in the blood. Furthermore, the physical examination with focus on the rash on the body is important for diagnosis. The medical history, i.e. the doctor-patient consultation, can also provide important information with regard to the hygienic conditions and a bite from a parasite.

I recognize typhus by these symptoms

Spotted fever can lead to various late effects. These are caused by the irritation or damage of the blood vessels, as well as by the weakened immune system. The late effects of typhus include damage to the hearing with hearing loss and chronic tinnitus.

The spinal cord can also become inflamed and the function of the nerves can be disturbed, which can lead to many other diseases. For example, hemiplegia can also occur. If the brain structures are affected, psychological changes or disorders can also occur.

Treatment/Therapy

The treatment of spotted fever consists of fighting the bacteria, i.e. Rickettsiae. Therefore, antibiotics should be given as soon as the disease is suspected. The antibiotic of first choice is Doxycyclin.

An improvement of the symptoms should already occur after one to two days. If this is not the case, a different antibiotic should be used if the diagnosis is confirmed. This is usually chloramphenicol.

In addition, various supportive measures should be taken to improve the symptoms. These include stabilizing the circulation and supplying sufficient fluid and electrolytes. The affected person should be treated accordingly in an intensive care unit.

If necessary, a cortisone preparation, such as prednisolone, can also be helpful in fighting the inflammation. Another important aspect is the destruction of the parasites that are responsible for the transmission of the bacteria. There are various means for this, such as lindane. This is a lice killer that causes the lice to die.