What causes typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria that enter your body through contaminated food or water. The bacteria multiply in your intestinal tract and bloodstream, spreading throughout your body and causing serious systemic infection. You can contract typhoid fever by consuming food or drinks handled by someone carrying the bacteria, or through direct contact with sewage-contaminated water in areas with poor sanitation.

What is the best test for typhoid fever?

The Blood Culture test is the most important test for typhoid fever because it directly detects and identifies Salmonella Typhi bacteria circulating in your bloodstream. This test provides definitive confirmation of active infection by isolating the living bacteria, which allows your healthcare provider to determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. Blood cultures are especially accurate during the first week of illness when bacterial levels in the blood are highest, making this the gold standard diagnostic method for typhoid fever.

When should I get tested for typhoid fever?

You should get tested if you develop a sustained high fever (103-104°F) lasting more than a few days, especially with headache, weakness, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite. Testing is particularly important if you have recently traveled to regions where typhoid is common, including South Asia, Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbean. You should also consider testing if you have been exposed to someone with typhoid fever or consumed food or water that may have been contaminated, as early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.

What are the symptoms of typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever symptoms typically begin gradually 1-3 weeks after infection and include prolonged high fever that can reach 104°F, severe headache, and extreme weakness and fatigue. You might notice stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, and a rose-colored rash on your chest. As the illness progresses without treatment, you may experience confusion, an inability to pay attention to your surroundings, and severe complications affecting your intestines and other organs.

Who is at risk for typhoid fever?

People traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common face the highest risk, particularly South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean where sanitation infrastructure may be limited. You are at increased risk if you consume food or drinks from street vendors, eat raw vegetables washed in contaminated water, or lack access to safe drinking water. Healthcare workers, laboratory personnel handling Salmonella Typhi specimens, and people living in close contact with chronic carriers of the bacteria also have elevated risk.

What happens if typhoid fever is left untreated?

Untreated typhoid fever can lead to life-threatening complications including intestinal perforation where holes develop in your intestinal wall, causing severe abdominal pain and bloodstream infection. You risk developing intestinal bleeding, which can be severe and require blood transfusions or surgery. Other serious complications include inflammation of the heart muscle, pneumonia, kidney problems, and neurological issues like confusion or psychosis. Without antibiotic treatment, typhoid fever has a mortality rate of 10-30%, making prompt diagnosis and treatment absolutely critical.

Can typhoid fever be diagnosed with a blood test?

Yes, typhoid fever can be definitively diagnosed with a blood culture test that detects Salmonella Typhi bacteria in your bloodstream. The blood culture is the gold standard diagnostic method because it isolates and identifies the living bacteria, confirming active infection. Blood cultures are most accurate during the first week of illness when bacterial concentrations in the blood are highest, though they can remain positive for several weeks during untreated infection.

How is typhoid fever treated?

Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics that kill Salmonella Typhi bacteria, with commonly prescribed medications including ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, or ceftriaxone depending on bacterial resistance patterns in your region. Treatment typically lasts 7-14 days, and most people begin feeling better within a few days of starting antibiotics. You will need to stay well-hydrated and may require hospitalization if you develop severe symptoms or complications. After recovery, follow-up stool cultures may be needed to ensure you are not a chronic carrier of the bacteria.

How can I prevent typhoid fever?

You can prevent typhoid fever by getting vaccinated before traveling to high-risk areas, though vaccines are only 50-80% effective so you still need to practice food and water safety. Only drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes, eat only thoroughly cooked hot foods, and peel fruits yourself. Avoid raw vegetables, unpasteurized dairy products, and food from street vendors. Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, as proper hygiene significantly reduces your risk of infection.

What can I do at home while recovering from typhoid fever?

While recovering at home, focus on staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of clean water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths to replace fluids lost through fever and sweating. Eat small, frequent meals with easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, toast, and cooked vegetables to maintain nutrition without stressing your digestive system. Get plenty of rest as your body needs energy to fight the infection, and take acetaminophen for fever relief if recommended by your doctor. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom to prevent spreading bacteria to others, and avoid preparing food for others until your doctor confirms you are no longer contagious.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

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When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

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How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Typhoid Fever Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Typhoid Fever Blood Test

What is Typhoid Fever?

Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection that spreads throughout the body affecting multiple organs. It is caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria transmitted through contaminated food and water. The Blood Culture test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly detects and identifies the bacteria in the bloodstream.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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