CLINICO – LABORATORY PROFILE OF ENTERIC FEVER IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to study the clinical profile, laboratory parameters of enteric fever cases in pediatric age group.

Methods: This was a prospective study carried on Pediatric patients aged 1 to 14 years with clinically suspected enteric fever (fever for 5 days or more with no primary focus on clinical examination) and proven either by positive blood culture or Widal test with significant titre (level of both H or O antibodies of 1 in 160 dilution or more by tube method) were enrolled in the study.

Results: The mean white blood cell (WBC) count was 8256.32±1236.12 cells/cumm. Out of 100 patients, 73(73.00%) had WBC count within the normal range (4000-11000 cells/cumm). 3(3.00%) had leucopenia, while 24(24.00%) had leucocytosis. 4(4.00%) patients had thrombocytopenia

Conclusions: Enteric fever is major cause of febrile illness in children (especially school going). Fever with abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea were major clinical manifestations. There was 100% sensitivity to ceftriaxone, which was highly effective as monotherapy.

Keywords: WBC, Typhoid, Clinical profile.