In Nigeria, malaria and typhoid cases are so common that they are no longer seen as life-threatening. The conversation usually goes like this:
A: I have a headache and I feel like vomiting.
B: (places a hand on A’s forehead) Heya, your body is also hot. You have malaria. Go and buy malaria medicine at that pharmacy.
End of story.
Malaria and typhoid have also been used interchangeably, to the extent that people are confused about the difference. While both diseases can cause fever and other similar symptoms, there are key features that distinguish them.
Therefore, let us take a look at the difference between malaria and typhoid.
Difference between malaria and typhoid
Causes of malaria and typhoid
Malaria is typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito, which carries the Plasmodium parasite. This infection is often common in tropical regions like Africa.
Typhoid, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection. It is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. The infection is often passed on through contaminated food and drinking water. It is also prevalent in places where people do not wash their hands frequently.
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Symptoms
Malaria and typhoid are often used interchangeably because they seem to have similar symptoms. But some symptoms distinguish them.
Symptoms of malaria include chills and shivering, high fever, an enlarged spleen and liver and anaemia. It may also include low blood platelet count, abnormal white blood cells, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and sweating.
Symptoms of typhoid include headache, gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation or diarrhoea; stomach pain, and a high fever lasting around 10 days. Other symptoms may include an enlarged spleen, impaired liver function, a small red-dot skin rash on the abdomen and chest, disseminated intravascular coagulation and anaemia.
Diagnosis
Malaria and typhoid are often diagnosed together. However, malaria is easier to diagnose as it usually only requires a blood count and a malarial parasite test.
For typhoid, the lab scientist will have to use wild, typhi dot, bone marrow and stool tests.
Complications
Serious complications can occur in both malaria and typhoid, which can be fatal if they are not diagnosed and treated on time. For malaria, complications include liver failure and jaundice, sudden drop in blood pressure, pulmonary oedema, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), low blood sugar, kidney failure, swelling and rupturing of the spleen and dehydration.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, complications of typhoid include the following:
- Internal bleeding
- Intestinal perforation (a hole in your intestines)
- Swollen or burst gallbladder
- Neurological symptoms, including confusion, delirium and seizures
- Swelling around your brain (meningitis)
- Bronchitis, pneumonia or other respiratory issues
- Bone inflammation
- Heart inflammation
- Kidney failure
- Miscarriage
Overall, malaria and typhoid may seem the same but they are different. While the former is caused by a parasite, the latter is caused by bacteria. But you may not know the difference unless you do some tests. If you are experiencing any symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor to make some professional diagnosis and recommend the appropriate treatment.
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