Abstract

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, remains a significant public health issue, particularly in 
low-resource settings. Despite the availability of antibiotics, delayed or inadequate treatment continues to lead to 
serious long-term health complications. This review explores the range of long-term health effects resulting from 
untreated or late-treated typhoid fever, emphasizing the role of delayed diagnosis, incomplete treatment, and 
antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Long-term complications include chronic gastrointestinal issues, intestinal 
perforation, neurological disturbances, cardiovascular conditions, and renal failure. Additionally, individuals who 
survive the acute phase may experience psychological effects such as depression and anxiety, as well as a risk of 
becoming chronic carriers of the bacteria, continuing to spread the infection. The review also discusses the growing 
challenge posed by AMR, particularly the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, which complicate treatment 
and increase the risk of prolonged illness and complications. By addressing these long-term outcomes, this review 
underscores the importance of early and effective intervention, as well as the need for public health strategies aimed 
at improving healthcare access, timely diagnosis, and treatment, alongside enhanced efforts to combat AMR.