Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi

You may be familiar with this bacteria's sister (S. enterica serovar Typhimurium) if you undercooked chicken and it caused you a nasty time in the bathroom! But unlike its sister, S. enterica serovar Typhi is more cruel and dangerous, infects only humans and causes typhoid fever ! The aggressiveness of this bacteria can be seen in its eyes! Be careful not to catch it! It is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, through water or through contaminated food (especially if you don't wash your hands well after using the bathroom!)

Like its sister S. enterica servar Typhimurium, S. Typhi has a variety of filaments on its surface (fimbriae) allowing it to adhere to the surfaces of the human body, as well as longer filaments (flagella), allowing it great motility. Unlike its sister, S. Typhi has a capsule around it, which contributes greatly to its virulence (ability to infect)!

Once ingested, it passes through the intestine and crosses the intestinal wall. Once in the blood, it spreads throughout the body (liver, spleen, bone marrow, etc.) and causes a high fever with abdominal pain , great fatigue and sometimes a rash , called "typhoid roseola". If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications (intestinal perforations, internal bleeding, even death!).

More than ten million cases occur worldwide each year! Fortunately, infection with this bacteria can be prevented by a vaccine, which is useful for people traveling to high-risk areas (Asia, Africa, South America). Antibiotics are also available for treatment, but some strains have become resistant, which complicates treatment! This is a reminder to cook your food thoroughly and wash your hands ;)

__________________________________________________________PUN: Salmonella? I hardly know ha'!

PUN 2: Typhoid fever will leave you life-devoid!