Study of the Resurgence of Typhoid Fever in the Commune of Doba in Chad

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the factors behind the increase in the number of cases of typhoid fever in the commune of Doba. Place and Duration of Study: Our study was carried out in the District and Provincial hospital and the Christian Assemblies in Chad (ACT) health center of Doba, from July to August 2022. Methodology: A total of 756 Widal and Félix tests according to the slide agglutination technique described by Raobijaona and Ranaivo-Harisoa were carried out in three health facilities in order to confirm the reliability of the test within these facilities. Surveys, using survey forms, were carried out in 120 households, with 95 households participating in our study. Results: The results showed a fairly high typhoid fever prevalence rate (72.52%), with all households surveyed (100%) using self-medication antibiotics. We also noted a high frequency of antibiotic use without a doctor's prescription. Non-compliance with hygiene and sanitation rules was noted in the majority of households (80%), which ate food without carefully washing their hands with soap and water. Most of the households surveyed (52%) had no toilet, which encourages open defecation. Conclusion: Despite its unreliability, the Widal and Félix serodiagnosis is the test frequently requested and carried out. Failure to comply with hygiene measures and excessive self-medication, at the root of the selection of resistant bacteria, have been partly identified as factors that have contributed to the increase in the number of cases of typhoid fever in Doba.