This old-timey disease is actually still around — and it’s becoming antibiotic-resistant

New York Post - Apr 23rd, 2025

A resurgence of antibiotic-resistant typhoid fever is posing a significant global health threat, affecting millions and leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite advancements in vaccination and treatment, typhoid fever remains prevalent, particularly in regions with poor sanitation and water quality, such as Southeast Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and Eastern Europe. The World Health Organization estimates around 9 million illnesses and 110,000 deaths annually from the bacterial infection. In the United States, most of the approximately 5,700 annual cases are linked to international travel. The disease spreads through contaminated food or water or contact with infected individuals, causing symptoms like high fever, fatigue, and stomach cramps.

Researchers have raised alarms over the rise of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Typhi, particularly in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India, where strains have developed resistance through genetic mutations. In Pakistan, drug-resistant typhoid has been a challenge since 2016, largely due to antibiotic overuse. Experts warn that XDR-typhoid could signify a return to the era when typhoid was a more deadly disease, underscoring the need for expanded typhoid immunization access and new antibiotic research. With antibiotic-resistant infections claiming at least 1.2 million lives globally each year, the implications of this resurgence are profound, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated international public health responses and increased awareness of the disease.

Vaccination World Health Organization Public Health Centers For Disease Control And Prevention Global Health Antibiotic Resistance Typhoid Fever Salmonella Typhi University Of Wisconsin At Madison Jehan Zeb Khan Xdr Typhi

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RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant typhoid fever, supported by credible sources and expert insights. It presents a clear and timely narrative, emphasizing the need for expanded vaccination and new antibiotic research. While the article succeeds in raising awareness of a critical public health issue, it could benefit from greater balance by including perspectives from affected communities and additional transparency regarding the methodologies behind the studies cited. The narrative could be more engaging with personal stories or case studies, and exploring more controversial aspects could enhance its impact. Overall, the article provides a solid foundation for understanding the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant typhoid, with room for deeper exploration of certain elements.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports on the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant typhoid fever, supported by studies that show the rise of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. It cites a WHO estimate of 9 million cases and 110,000 deaths annually, which is slightly higher than some studies but within a plausible range. The article correctly identifies regions like Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa as high-risk areas for typhoid. However, the claim about ancient civilizations being toppled by typhoid lacks direct evidence and is more speculative. The mention of a University of Wisconsin outbreak is not directly verified, though U.S. travel-linked cases are consistent with CDC data.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the scientific and medical perspectives of antibiotic resistance in typhoid fever. It includes expert opinions and research data but lacks perspectives from affected communities or public health officials in high-risk regions. The narrative could be more balanced by incorporating voices from those directly impacted by the disease, such as patients or local healthcare providers, to provide a fuller picture of the societal impact.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow from the problem of antibiotic resistance to its implications and potential solutions. The language is accessible, making complex scientific information understandable to a general audience. However, some claims, such as the historical impact of typhoid, could be better contextualized to avoid confusion. The article maintains a neutral tone, which aids in clarity and comprehension.

Source quality

The article references credible sources, including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and published research in the journal Scientific Data. The inclusion of expert commentary from a clinical pharmacist adds authority to the claims. However, the lack of direct citations for some claims, such as the University of Wisconsin outbreak, slightly diminishes source reliability. Overall, the sources used are authoritative and relevant to the topic.

Transparency

While the article provides a clear overview of the issue, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies behind the studies cited. There is no discussion of potential conflicts of interest or the basis for some claims, such as the impact on ancient civilizations. Greater transparency in how data was collected and analyzed would enhance the article's credibility. Additionally, explaining the limitations of the studies referenced could provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue.