Question

Typhoid disease is spread by –

• A. Salmonella typhi
• B. Anopheles
• C. Clostridium
• D. Bacillus

Hint:

Remember disease-causing organisms: Typhoid → Salmonella typhi (bacteria) Malaria → Plasmodium (protozoa) transmitted by Anopheles mosquito Cholera → Vibrio cholerae (bacteria) Tuberculosis → Mycobacterium tuberculosis (bacteria)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by a specific pathogen. Understanding its causative agent is essential for diagnosis and treatment. Causative Agent:

Salmonella typhi (also written as Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi)

Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium
Belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae
Infects only humans (no animal reservoir)

Transmission:

Fecal-oral route through contaminated food or water
Poor sanitation and hygiene are major risk factors
Carriers (like "Typhoid Mary") can spread the disease without showing symptoms
Symptoms of Typhoid:

Prolonged high fever (up to 104°F / 40°C)
Headache, weakness, fatigue
Abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea
Rose-colored spots on chest/abdomen
Slow heart rate relative to fever
Why Other Options are Incorrect:

(B) Anopheles: This is a genus of mosquitoes that transmits malaria (caused by Plasmodium parasite), not typhoid
(C) Clostridium: This bacterial genus causes diseases like tetanus (C. tetani), botulism (C. botulinum), and gas gangrene (C. perfringens), not typhoid
(D) Bacillus: This bacterial genus includes Bacillus anthracis (causes anthrax) and Bacillus cereus (food poisoning), not typhoid
Final Answer: Salmonella typhi