Epidemiology and clinical aspects of enteric fever in Israel

Eyal Meltzer, Orit Yossepowitch, Chantal Sadik, Michael Dan, Eli Schwartz*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Enteric fever decreased in Israel in the last 50 years, but its current epidemiology is unknown. In a nationwide study, we evaluated all cases of enteric fever from 1995 to 2003. On hundred thirty-six cases met the case definition. During the period studied, the incidence of enteric fever decreased from 0.42 to 0.23/100,000. A total of 57.4% of the cases were acquired abroad. The incidence of endemic enteric fever was 2.7 times higher in Arabs than in Jews. In Arabs, Salmonella Typhi was the causative agent in all cases, and almost all cases were endemic. In Jews, most cases were imported, with a decrease in imported S. typhi, cases and an increase in imported S. Paratyphi A cases. Salmonella Paratyphi B was endemic, and restricted to the Jewish population. The reasons for the difference in causative agents along ethnic lines need further evaluation. A more efficient vaccine for travelers that includes S. Paratyphi A is needed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)540-545
Number of pages6
JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume74
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2006
Externally publishedYes

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