Is Antibiotic-Resistant Typhoid Costing India More Than We Think?

Antibiotic-resistant Typhoid fever accounted for nearly 87 per cent of India’s disease-related economic burden in 2023, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia.

Researchers estimated the total economic burden of the disease at ₹123 billion, with children under the age of 10 contributing to more than half of the overall costs.

The study, conducted by experts from institutions including the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Christian Medical College, highlighted the disproportionate impact on younger populations.

Households bore 91 per cent of total expenses, while around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure.

High-burden states such as Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal accounted for over half of the national costs.

Typhoid fever, a water- and food-borne infection, typically causes high fever, fatigue, headache and abdominal pain.

The study found that resistance to Fluoroquinolone—a commonly used antibiotic—significantly increased treatment costs and prolonged illness.

Researchers analysed national data on disease patterns, treatment behaviour, and healthcare outcomes to estimate both direct and indirect costs for patients.

The findings support the introduction of the typhoid conjugate vaccine into India’s national immunisation programme and highlight the need to strengthen antibiotic resistance control.

The study also provides a comprehensive, nationally representative estimate of the disease’s economic impact, underlining the urgent need for policy interventions to reduce financial strain on families.

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