Variation in Salmonella typhi Infection Among Local Populations in Southern Benue, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi is endemic in many developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of S. typhi in patients attending secondary health centers within the 9 local government areas (LGAs) of Benue. Materials and Methods: A total of 1022 stool samples, from 583 (57.0%) males and 439 (43.0%) females were collected from patients diagnosed using Widal reaction between August 2016 and July 2017. Selenite broth, Salmonella-Shigella agar, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar and Bismuth Sulfite agar were used for isolation. S. typhi was identified using cultural and biochemical characteristics. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to analyze the collated data. Results: A high prevalence of S. typhi (43.7%, n = 447) and significant differences were observed (P < 0.05) in the study site, age, sex and month of sampling. Oju LGA accounted for the highest rate, 64.2% (n = 123). S. typhi infection was highest in patients aged ≤10 years (52.7%, n = 243). Males had a significantly higher isolation frequency of 46.8% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.321, CI = 1.027–1.700) than females (39.6%). Isolation rates were higher between January (50.0%, n = 31) and May (61.8%, n = 76). Some Widal positive samples were negative for S. typhi upon culturing. Conclusion: These findings suggest the existence of a significant public health hazard which can negatively affect the livelihood of rural dwellers. There is a need for a review of the approach to the diagnoses of typhoid fever in the study area. Increased efforts at sanitation and personal hygiene are advocated.