The world has eradicated the smallpox virus. All but two nations have eradicated polio, with India certified as polio-free by the WHO since 2014. There is a chance that the world may be free of the virus in the next few years. Could typhoid fever be the next big success story?

Last year saw the development of a domestically produced vaccine, sparking renewed hopes that the disease may be eradicated in the near future. The vaccine, produced by Bharat Biotech, was analysed in a study at Oxford University. 

The study produced overwhelmingly positive results. It was found that the vaccine showed a protection rate of up to 87 percent against typhoid fever. In addition it was noted that the vaccine is safe to use in children beneath the age of two. This was of huge significance as the widely used vi-ps typhoid vaccine cannot be used in that age group.

The vaccine was hailed as a breakthrough by both media and journals such as Nature, which named the vaccine one of the “treatments that made headlines in 2018.” “The WHO has approved a vaccine against typhoid fever, called Typbar TCV, short for typhoid conjugate vaccine,” the journal wrote. “This vaccine is the first conjugate vaccine — a vaccine in which a weak antigen [of the typhoid germ] is attached to a strong antigen [from the tetanus germ] to elicit antibody responses — against a bacterial disease [typhoid] that “affects up to twenty million people annually”.”

Typhoid fever is a gastrointestinal infection caused by Salmonella enterica typhi bacteria. The disease is passed on through contact with infected faecal matter. This is often due to poor hygiene practices such as neglecting to wash one’s hands. This is a matter of concern in India as hygiene practices are often overlooked, both in the home and in the settings such as hospitals and schools – exacerbated by a lack of sanitation infrastructure.

Outbreaks also occur in situations where sewage systems are compromised or drinking water supplies are contaminated. The aftermath of August’s floods in Hyderabad have been the cause of outbreaks of typhoid fever in addition to numerous other water-borne diseases, as the rising waters damaged sewage systems and septic tanks around the city.

Open defecation is also a significant driver of typhoid fever cases. As some with the condition remain asymptomatic, they may pass on the condition to others without ever being aware of their own infection. If defecation occurs near a water source, as may be the case in rural villages, this places the entire community at risk.

Bharat Biotech’s vaccine success story not only gives hope for the reduction in cases of typhoid fever, but underlines the fact that India’s domestic production of vaccines may be the key to future success stories in the vein of of polio and smallpox.

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BENGALURU: Monsoon brings relief from the sweltering heat, washes away the dust, making the city look beautiful and green. So, it’s natural to cheer for the change and feel the urge to set foot outside and enjoy a hot cup of tea.

However, many women may suffer discomfort during their pregnancy, especially during the monsoon months. Along with the gloomy clouds, the monsoon also brings with it a host of mosquito-borne infections, viral and bacterial illness like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, flu, typhoid, hepatitis and the recent epidemic of Nipah, to name a few. These illnesses tend to be more severe in pregnant women because of their reduced immunity, leading to increased bleeding tendencies, multi-organ involvement, ICU admissions, early delivery and pre-mature newborns.

Here are some ways to enjoy the rains when you are expecting:

HYDRATION
Staying hydrated is essential, even during rains. The drop in the temperatures may reduce your desire to drink more liquids, but maintaining a good hydration is essential to beat the humidity;relieve headaches and fatigue associated with dehydration. Boiled and cooled or purified water must be consumed in abundance. Othe/r safe options during the rains would be coconut water, home-made lemonade, butter milk or canned juices.

DIET
Craving a particular type of food is not uncommon during pregnancy. It’s best to avoid raw vegetables in your salad and say NO to raw meat, eggs and sea food during your pregnancy. Save the urge to have an aloo chat from the local vendor or a sushi meal. Leafy vegetables like spinach and cabbage tend to carry a lot of dirt and need to be washed in clean running water multiple times ;cooked and then consumed. Eat a balanced, home-cooked meal rich in fibre and protein to stay healthy.

THE MOSQUITO MENACE
Avoid stagnant water at home and your garden as they help breed mosquitoes that spread malaria and dengue. Use mosquito-nets, repellants, meshes in the windows and doors of your homes or air-conditioning to control the mosquito menace.

CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Loose full-sleeved comfortable cotton clothing will offer protection from mosquitoes and help beat humidity. Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics and tight clothing as they can cause discomfort and rashes. Wear comfortable, flat footwear with a good grip to prevent accidental falls from slippery and uneven patches during rain.

HYGIENE
Hand-hygiene and clean drinking water prevent water-borne diseases like hepatitis A, E and typhoid, some of which can be fatal in a pregnant woman. Washing your hands multiple times a day prior to each meal and after using the restrooms with clean water is an essential part of good hand hygiene.

VACCINATION
A fever or a common cold in pregnancy needs immediate attention and treatment with pregnancy-safe medications to avoid complications to the mother and the unborn child. Early diagnosis of flu in pregnancy allows prompt treatment with medications and prevents serious respiratory complications and ICU admissions. The Flu Vaccine is recommended for every pregnant woman as viral infections tend to be more severe in pregnancy. Vaccines against new strains are available each year and it’s important to be immunised with these vaccines.

The author is a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road, Bangalore

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