Question

Which organism causes typhoid fever?

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Vibrio cholerae
• C. Salmonella typhi
• D. Staphylococcus aureus

Hint:

Typhoid fever spreads mainly through the fecal–oral route. Proper sanitation, clean drinking water, good hygiene, and vaccination are important preventive measures.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Typhoid fever is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi. It primarily spreads through contaminated food and drinking water and is common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Salmonella typhi is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that infects the intestinal tract and bloodstream of humans. Humans are the only natural hosts of this bacterium. Once inside the body, the bacteria multiply in the intestines and can spread to other organs through the bloodstream. Common symptoms of typhoid fever include:
• Prolonged high fever
• Weakness and fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Sometimes a characteristic rash called rose spots If untreated, typhoid fever can lead to serious complications such as intestinal perforation or severe dehydration.

Step 1: Understanding the cause of typhoid fever.
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection that spreads through ingestion of contaminated food or water containing the pathogen.

Step 2: Identifying the responsible microorganism.
The bacterium responsible for typhoid fever is Salmonella typhi, which belongs to the genus Salmonella.

Step 3: Comparing the given options.
• Escherichia coli – usually causes intestinal infections.
• Vibrio cholerae – causes cholera.
• Salmonella typhi – causes typhoid fever.
• Staphylococcus aureus – causes skin infections and food poisoning. Thus, the organism responsible for typhoid fever is Salmonella typhi.