Spleen in Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is a common bacterial disease transmitted by the ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated with faeces carrying Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi. In the first week, symptoms include rising fevers, coughing and headaches. In the second week fevers plateau around 40 degrees C, with delirium being very common. Rose spots classically appear on the lower chest and the abdomen becomes painful. The spleen and liver become enlarged and tender. Typhoid does not affect animals so it can only be spread between humans. Sanitation and hygiene are critical preventative measures. Pathology specimen (1938) preserved in formaldehyde was provided by the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT Digital Pathology Teaching Collection).