Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Paratyphoid fever is caused by the serovar paratyphi of the bacterial species Salmonella enterica.
The disease is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. Fecal-oral transmission is also possible. The incubation period – time from infection to onset of disease – is usually one to ten days. The duration of contagiousness ranges from the first week after the onset of the disease to several weeks after the end of symptoms. Up to five percent of those affected can become lifelong excretors.
Etiology (causes)
Behavioral causes
- Diet – consumption of raw, contaminated food and drink.
Environmental pollution – intoxications (poisonings).
- Warm season (high outdoor temperatures)
