tífusz

Tífusz is a term that historically referred to a group of severe febrile illnesses characterized by stupor or delirium. While the name tífusz has been used broadly, it most commonly denotes typhus fever, a bacterial disease transmitted by lice or fleas. Typhus fever is caused by Rickettsia bacteria, specifically Rickettsia prowazekii for epidemic typhus and Rickettsia typhi for murine typhus.

Epidemic typhus is spread by the human body louse and often occurs in conditions of overcrowding and poor hygiene, such as during wars or famines. Symptoms typically include a sudden onset of high fever, headache, chills, and a rash that begins on the trunk and spreads outwards. Delirium and stupor are characteristic, hence the historical name. Murine typhus, spread by the oriental rat flea, is generally milder but shares similar symptoms.

Historically, tífusz was a significant cause of mortality in many parts of the world. Diagnosis involves clinical presentation and serological tests to detect antibodies against Rickettsia. Treatment with antibiotics, such as doxycycline, is effective. Prevention focuses on controlling the vectors (lice and fleas) and improving sanitation. Due to effective public health measures and the availability of antibiotics, typhus fever is less common today in developed countries but can still be a threat in impoverished or disaster-stricken regions. The term "tífusz" itself might also be encountered in older medical literature referring to other febrile illnesses before more specific diagnoses were established.