Why in News
A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia (2026) found that antibiotic resistant typhoid infections accounted for 87 percent of India’s typhoid economic burden in 2023.
Key Findings
• Total economic burden of typhoid in India: ₹123 billion
• Antibiotic resistant typhoid share: 87 percent
• Children under 10 years contributed to over 50 percent of costs
• Households bore 91 percent of total expenses
• Around 70,000 families faced catastrophic health expenditure
High Burden States
- Five states accounted for 51 percent of national burden
- Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh including Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal
What is Typhoid
• Bacterial infectious disease
• Caused by Salmonella Typhi
• Spread through contaminated food and water
• Linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water
What is Antibiotic Resistance
• Bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics
• Medicines become less effective
• Treatment becomes longer and more expensive
• Higher risk of complications
| [2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? 1 Genetic predisposition of some people. 2 Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases. 3 Using antibiotics in livestock farming. 4 Multiple chronic diseases in some people. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 |

