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Typhoid fever Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Typhoid Fever: Etiology, Transmission, Clinical Aspects, and Historical Context

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Typhoid Fever: Etiology, Transmission, Clinical Aspects, and Historical Context Study Guide

Pathogen and Transmission

Typhoid fever is caused by the bacterium *Salmonella enterica* serotype Paratyphi.

Answer: False

Explanation: The assertion that typhoid fever is caused by *Salmonella enterica* serotype Paratyphi is incorrect; the causative agent is *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhi, as detailed in the supporting flashcards.

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Typhoid fever is transmitted through the respiratory route, similar to the common cold.

Answer: False

Explanation: Typhoid fever is not transmitted via the respiratory route; its transmission occurs exclusively through the fecal-oral pathway, typically via contaminated food or water.

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*Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhi is known to infect and replicate exclusively within humans, with no animal reservoirs.

Answer: True

Explanation: It is established that *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhi exhibits host specificity, infecting and replicating exclusively within humans, lacking known animal reservoirs.

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The bacterium causing typhoid fever (*Salmonella* Typhi) is genetically identical to the bacteria commonly causing food poisoning like salmonellosis.

Answer: False

Explanation: The bacterium responsible for typhoid fever, *Salmonella* Typhi, is genetically distinct from the *Salmonella* species that commonly cause salmonellosis, a more typical form of food poisoning.

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What is the primary bacterium responsible for causing typhoid fever?

Answer: *Salmonella* Typhi

Explanation: The primary etiological agent responsible for typhoid fever is *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhi, commonly referred to as *Salmonella* Typhi.

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Typhoid fever is primarily transmitted through which route?

Answer: Fecal-oral route

Explanation: The primary mode of transmission for typhoid fever is the fecal-oral route, involving the ingestion of contaminated food or water.

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According to the source, *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhi has which characteristic regarding its hosts?

Answer: It has no known animal reservoirs and infects humans exclusively.

Explanation: *Salmonella enterica* serovar Typhi is characterized by its exclusive tropism for humans, lacking any known animal reservoirs.

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Clinical Manifestations and Complications

Symptoms of typhoid fever typically appear within 1 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria.

Answer: False

Explanation: The typical incubation period for typhoid fever, following exposure to *Salmonella* Typhi, is generally longer than 1 to 5 days, usually ranging from six to thirty days.

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During the first week of untreated typhoid fever, the patient's temperature typically rises rapidly and remains consistently high.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the initial week of untreated typhoid fever, the patient's temperature typically exhibits a gradual ascent rather than a rapid, consistent rise; sustained high fever is characteristic of the second week.

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Intestinal perforation is a potential complication that can arise in the third week of untreated typhoid fever.

Answer: True

Explanation: Intestinal perforation is indeed a serious potential complication that may manifest during the third week of untreated typhoid fever, often requiring surgical intervention.

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A significant percentage, around 50%, of individuals who contract typhoid fever can become chronic carriers.

Answer: False

Explanation: A small minority, approximately 2-5%, of individuals who contract typhoid fever may become chronic carriers, not a significant percentage around 50%.

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The formation of biofilms by *Salmonella* Typhi on gallstones is a potential mechanism for the chronic carrier state.

Answer: True

Explanation: The formation of biofilms by *Salmonella* Typhi on gallstones is recognized as a potential mechanism contributing to the chronic carrier state.

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What is the typical incubation period for typhoid fever symptoms after exposure to *Salmonella* Typhi?

Answer: 6 to 30 days

Explanation: Following exposure to *Salmonella* Typhi, the incubation period for typhoid fever typically ranges from 6 to 30 days.

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Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of the second week of untreated typhoid fever?

Answer: Delirium and a slow pulse (Faget sign)

Explanation: During the second week of untreated typhoid fever, patients commonly exhibit delirium and a slow pulse, a phenomenon known as Faget sign or sphygmothermic dissociation.

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What percentage of individuals infected with typhoid fever may become chronic carriers?

Answer: 2% to 5%

Explanation: A small proportion, typically ranging from 2% to 5%, of individuals who contract typhoid fever may develop into chronic carriers.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

The Widal test is a primary diagnostic method for typhoid fever that involves culturing the bacteria from bodily fluids.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Widal test is a diagnostic method for typhoid fever, but it relies on detecting antibodies via agglutination, not on culturing bacteria from bodily fluids.

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Rapid diagnostic tests like Typhidot can provide quantitative results, measuring the exact level of antibodies present.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rapid diagnostic tests such as Typhidot provide qualitative (positive or negative) results and do not offer quantitative measurements of antibody levels.

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Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is primarily used to treat severe dehydration caused by typhoid fever.

Answer: True

Explanation: Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) serves as a crucial intervention for managing severe dehydration, a common and potentially life-threatening consequence of typhoid fever.

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Fluoroquinolones, like ciprofloxacin, are typically the first choice for treating typhoid fever when antibiotic resistance is not a significant issue.

Answer: True

Explanation: When antibiotic resistance is not a significant concern, fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, are typically considered the first-line treatment for typhoid fever.

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Ceftriaxone is an example of a fluoroquinolone used to treat typhoid fever.

Answer: False

Explanation: Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin, not a fluoroquinolone, and is used as an alternative treatment for typhoid fever when fluoroquinolones are not suitable.

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Before the widespread use of antibiotics, the case fatality rate for typhoid fever was less than 1%.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to the advent of widespread antibiotic use, the case fatality rate for typhoid fever was considerably higher, ranging between 10% and 20%, not less than 1%.

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Surgery is typically required for typhoid fever only when complications like intestinal perforation occur.

Answer: True

Explanation: Surgery is generally reserved for typhoid fever cases complicated by severe issues, most notably intestinal perforation.

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The increasing resistance of *Salmonella* Typhi to antibiotics is not considered a major concern for typhoid treatment today.

Answer: False

Explanation: The escalating resistance of *Salmonella* Typhi to conventional antibiotics represents a significant and major concern for contemporary typhoid fever treatment strategies.

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Multidrug-resistant typhoid refers to strains resistant only to ampicillin.

Answer: False

Explanation: Multidrug-resistant typhoid encompasses strains exhibiting resistance to multiple antibiotics, including but not limited to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

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Resistance to ciprofloxacin is a significant issue primarily in North America and Europe.

Answer: False

Explanation: Resistance to ciprofloxacin is a significant therapeutic challenge, particularly prevalent in regions such as the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, rather than primarily North America and Europe.

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Chloramphenicol was discovered in the early 1900s and was initially used against typhoid fever.

Answer: False

Explanation: Chloramphenicol was discovered in the 1940s and subsequently found to be effective against typhoid fever.

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Which of the following is a primary method for diagnosing typhoid fever?

Answer: Culturing *S.* Typhi from blood, bone marrow, or stool

Explanation: The definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever is typically established through the successful culturing of *Salmonella* Typhi from clinical specimens such as blood, bone marrow, or stool.

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What is a significant challenge associated with diagnosing typhoid fever in less developed regions?

Answer: Tools often lack accuracy and specificity, and cost is a barrier.

Explanation: In regions where typhoid fever is endemic, diagnostic methodologies frequently exhibit limitations in accuracy and specificity, compounded by cost barriers, presenting significant challenges to timely diagnosis.

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What are the primary antibiotic treatments for typhoid fever when antibiotic resistance is not a major issue?

Answer: Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin

Explanation: In cases where antibiotic resistance is not a significant concern, fluoroquinolones, exemplified by ciprofloxacin, are typically the initial choice for treating typhoid fever.

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If fluoroquinolones are not suitable for treating typhoid fever, what are considered first-line alternative treatments?

Answer: Third-generation cephalosporins like ceftriaxone

Explanation: When fluoroquinolones are contraindicated or unsuitable, third-generation cephalosporins, such as ceftriaxone, are considered primary alternative treatments for typhoid fever.

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What was the approximate case fatality rate for typhoid fever before the widespread use of antibiotics?

Answer: 10% to 20%

Explanation: Prior to the widespread availability and use of antibiotics, the case fatality rate associated with typhoid fever was estimated to be between 10% and 20%.

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Under what primary circumstance is surgery typically required for typhoid fever?

Answer: When a complication like intestinal perforation occurs

Explanation: Surgical intervention for typhoid fever is typically necessitated by the occurrence of severe complications, most notably intestinal perforation.

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What is a major concern regarding the treatment of typhoid fever today?

Answer: The increasing resistance of *Salmonella* Typhi to commonly used antibiotics

Explanation: A paramount concern in the contemporary management of typhoid fever is the escalating antimicrobial resistance exhibited by *Salmonella* Typhi strains.

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What does 'multidrug-resistant typhoid' refer to?

Answer: Infections resistant to multiple antibiotics, including ampicillin and chloramphenicol

Explanation: Multidrug-resistant typhoid denotes infections caused by *Salmonella* Typhi strains that demonstrate resistance to a spectrum of antibiotics, commonly including ampicillin and chloramphenicol.

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In which regions is resistance to ciprofloxacin a particularly significant issue for typhoid treatment?

Answer: The Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia

Explanation: Resistance to ciprofloxacin poses a significant challenge for typhoid treatment, particularly in geographical areas such as the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

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Prevention and Public Health

Good sanitation and hygiene practices are fundamental preventive measures against typhoid fever.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robust sanitation and meticulous hygiene practices constitute fundamental pillars for the prevention of typhoid fever, mitigating transmission via contaminated food and water.

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Industrial advancements, such as improved sanitation, have historically contributed to reducing typhoid fever rates.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, advancements in industrial practices, particularly those enhancing sanitation infrastructure and reducing vector populations, have demonstrably contributed to the decline in typhoid fever incidence.

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Typhoid vaccines are generally ineffective, preventing less than 20% of cases.

Answer: False

Explanation: Typhoid vaccines are generally considered effective, offering protection rates significantly higher than 20%, typically ranging from 40-90% within the first two years.

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The Ty21a vaccine is an injectable form of typhoid vaccine, while ViPS is administered orally.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ty21a vaccine is administered orally, whereas the ViPS vaccine is an injectable formulation.

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The older, whole-cell typhoid vaccine is still recommended as a primary option due to its minimal side effects.

Answer: False

Explanation: The older, whole-cell typhoid vaccine is generally not recommended as a primary option due to its higher incidence of side effects compared to newer vaccine formulations.

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Vaccination alone is sufficient to completely eliminate typhoid fever from populations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vaccination alone is insufficient for the complete elimination of typhoid fever; it must be integrated with public health measures focusing on sanitation and hygiene.

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The ViPS typhoid vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 5 years and older.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ViPS typhoid vaccine is recommended for individuals aged two years and older, while the Ty21a vaccine is recommended for those aged five and older.

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In the year 2000, typhoid fever caused an estimated 217,000 deaths worldwide.

Answer: True

Explanation: In the year 2000, typhoid fever was estimated to have caused approximately 217,000 deaths globally.

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Typhoid fever most commonly affects the elderly population.

Answer: False

Explanation: Typhoid fever disproportionately affects children and young adults, typically between the ages of 5 and 19 years, rather than the elderly population.

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In developed countries, typhoid fever rates have increased significantly since the mid-20th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: In developed countries, typhoid fever rates have experienced a significant decline since the mid-20th century, attributable to improved public health measures.

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The majority of typhoid fever cases reported annually in the U.S. are contracted through domestic transmission.

Answer: False

Explanation: The majority of typhoid fever cases reported annually in the U.S. are contracted through international travel, not domestic transmission.

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Typhoid fever is most prevalent in regions like North America and Australia.

Answer: False

Explanation: Typhoid fever is most prevalent in regions such as Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, not primarily North America and Australia.

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The chlorination of water supplies led to an increase in typhoid fever rates in developed nations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The implementation of water chlorination in developed nations has historically led to a significant decrease, not an increase, in typhoid fever rates.

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The '80/20 rule' suggests that most typhoid transmissions come from a large majority of infected individuals.

Answer: False

Explanation: The '80/20 rule' posits that a small minority of individuals are responsible for a disproportionately large share of transmissions, meaning most typhoid transmissions originate from a small subset of infected individuals, not a large majority.

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Typhoid vaccination became mandatory for the U.S. military in 1911, leading to a dramatic decrease in disease rates.

Answer: True

Explanation: The mandatory implementation of typhoid vaccination for the U.S. military in 1911 resulted in a dramatic reduction in disease incidence within the armed forces.

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Which of the following is one of the two main types of licensed typhoid vaccines mentioned in the text?

Answer: Injectable typhoid polysaccharide vaccine (ViPS)

Explanation: The injectable typhoid polysaccharide vaccine (ViPS) is one of the two primary types of licensed typhoid vaccines available.

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What is the recommended booster interval for the oral Ty21a typhoid vaccine?

Answer: Every five years

Explanation: The oral Ty21a typhoid vaccine requires a booster dose every five years to maintain optimal protection.

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Why is the older whole-cell typhoid vaccine generally less recommended today?

Answer: It causes significantly more side effects compared to newer vaccines.

Explanation: The older whole-cell typhoid vaccine is less favored due to a higher propensity for adverse reactions and side effects compared to contemporary vaccine formulations.

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According to the text, vaccination alone is sufficient to completely eliminate typhoid fever.

Answer: False

Explanation: Vaccination alone is insufficient for the complete eradication of typhoid fever; it must be complemented by robust public health initiatives targeting sanitation and hygiene.

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Which age group is the Ty21a oral typhoid vaccine recommended for?

Answer: Individuals aged 5 years and older

Explanation: The oral Ty21a typhoid vaccine is recommended for individuals aged five years and older.

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What was the estimated global burden of typhoid fever deaths in the year 2000?

Answer: Approximately 217,000 deaths

Explanation: In the year 2000, typhoid fever was estimated to have caused approximately 217,000 deaths globally.

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Which age groups are most commonly affected by typhoid fever?

Answer: Children and young adults (ages 5-19)

Explanation: Typhoid fever predominantly affects pediatric and young adult populations, specifically individuals between the ages of 5 and 19 years.

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How has the incidence of typhoid fever changed in developed countries since the mid-20th century?

Answer: It has declined significantly due to improved sanitation and antibiotics.

Explanation: Since the mid-20th century, developed countries have observed a substantial decline in the incidence of typhoid fever, largely attributed to advancements in sanitation and the efficacy of antibiotics.

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What percentage of the approximately 400 annual typhoid fever cases reported in the U.S. are typically contracted during international travel?

Answer: About 75%

Explanation: Approximately 75% of the roughly 400 annual typhoid fever cases reported in the United States are acquired during international travel.

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Which continents or regions are identified as having the highest incidence of typhoid fever?

Answer: Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia

Explanation: The highest incidence rates of typhoid fever are predominantly observed in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.

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Historical Context and Figures

The Plague of Athens, occurring around 430 B.C., is strongly suspected to have been an outbreak of typhoid fever.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical and scientific evidence strongly suggests that the Plague of Athens, dating back to approximately 430 B.C., was an outbreak of typhoid fever.

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French physicians Bretonneau and Louis are credited with differentiating typhoid fever from typhus.

Answer: True

Explanation: French physicians Pierre-Fidele Bretonneau and Pierre-Charles-Alexandre Louis are credited with the critical differentiation of typhoid fever from typhus.

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William Budd observed that typhoid fever spread through contaminated air.

Answer: False

Explanation: William Budd's seminal observations indicated that typhoid fever spread through contaminated water, not contaminated air.

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The Lyster bag was a historical device used for diagnosing typhoid fever.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Lyster bag was a historical device employed for providing safe drinking water, not for diagnosing typhoid fever.

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Mary Mallon, known as 'Typhoid Mary', was the first identified asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mary Mallon, widely known as 'Typhoid Mary,' holds historical significance as the first identified asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever.

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An outbreak in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1964 was linked to contaminated canned beef from Argentina.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1964 outbreak in Aberdeen, Scotland, was indeed linked to contaminated canned beef originating from Argentina.

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Almroth Edward Wright developed the first effective typhoid vaccine.

Answer: True

Explanation: The development of the first efficacious typhoid vaccine is credited to the British bacteriologist Almroth Edward Wright.

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Almroth Wright's typhoid vaccine involved injecting live, active bacteria into patients.

Answer: False

Explanation: Almroth Wright's typhoid vaccine involved the injection of inactivated (killed) bacteria, not live, active ones, to elicit an immune response.

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The Vi Antigen vaccine was developed following the discovery of the Vi capsular antigen by Louis Pasteur.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Vi Antigen vaccine was developed subsequent to the discovery of the Vi capsular antigen by Arthur Felix and Margaret Pitt in 1934, not Louis Pasteur.

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The Ty21a strain, used in oral vaccines, was isolated by Alexander Fleming.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ty21a strain, utilized in oral typhoid vaccines, was isolated by Arthur Felix and Margaret Pitt, not Alexander Fleming.

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Historically, typhoid fever was also known as 'gastric fever' or 'abdominal typhus'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historically, typhoid fever has been referred to by various names, including 'gastric fever' and 'abdominal typhus'.

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Emperor Augustus of Rome is definitively confirmed to have died from typhoid fever.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Emperor Augustus of Rome is suspected to have died from typhoid fever, this is not definitively confirmed by historical records.

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William Wallace Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, died from typhoid fever.

Answer: True

Explanation: William Wallace Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln, succumbed to typhoid fever.

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Franz Schubert, the composer, died from pneumonia at the age of 31.

Answer: False

Explanation: Franz Schubert, the composer, died from typhoid fever at the age of 31, not pneumonia.

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Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, mother of Theodore Roosevelt, died from tuberculosis.

Answer: False

Explanation: Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, mother of Theodore Roosevelt, died from typhoid fever, not tuberculosis.

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What historical event is strongly suspected to have been an outbreak of typhoid fever based on evidence?

Answer: The Plague of Athens

Explanation: The Plague of Athens, which occurred around 430 B.C., is strongly suspected, based on historical and genetic evidence, to have been an outbreak of typhoid fever.

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Which French physicians are credited with differentiating typhoid fever from typhus based on their observations?

Answer: Pierre-Fidele Bretonneau and Pierre-Charles-Alexandre Louis

Explanation: The French physicians Pierre-Fidele Bretonneau and Pierre-Charles-Alexandre Louis are recognized for their contributions in distinguishing typhoid fever as a distinct clinical entity from typhus.

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William Budd's significant observation regarding typhoid fever transmission related to:

Answer: Contaminated water from a specific well

Explanation: William Budd's critical observation highlighted the transmission of typhoid fever through contaminated water sources, specifically noting a cluster of cases linked to a single well.

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Who is credited with the definitive discovery and isolation of the typhoid bacillus in 1880?

Answer: Karl Joseph Eberth

Explanation: Karl Joseph Eberth is credited with the definitive discovery and isolation of the typhoid bacillus in 1880, building upon earlier observations.

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What was the historical importance of the Lyster bag?

Answer: It was a portable container used to provide safe drinking water.

Explanation: The Lyster bag served historically as a crucial portable device for dispensing safe drinking water, often incorporating a chlorination tablet, particularly important for military use.

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Mary Mallon, famously known as 'Typhoid Mary', is historically significant because she was:

Answer: The first identified asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever.

Explanation: Mary Mallon, widely recognized as 'Typhoid Mary,' holds historical distinction as the first identified asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever.

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Which historical figure, husband of Queen Victoria, was diagnosed with typhoid fever by William Jenner?

Answer: Prince Albert

Explanation: Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, was diagnosed with typhoid fever by Sir William Jenner, a prominent physician of the era.

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Which celebrated Austrian composer died from typhoid fever in 1828?

Answer: Franz Schubert

Explanation: Franz Schubert, the esteemed Austrian composer celebrated for his Lieder and symphonies, succumbed to typhoid fever in 1828 at the age of 31.

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Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, mother of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, died from which illness?

Answer: Typhoid fever

Explanation: Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, mother of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, succumbed to typhoid fever.

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