Malaria vs. Typhoid — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 18, 2024
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, while typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, typically spread through contaminated food and water.
Difference Between Malaria and Typhoid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum being the most severe. Symptoms include fever, chills, and flu-like illness, which can progress to severe complications if untreated. Typhoid, on the other hand, is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through ingestion of contaminated food or water. Symptoms include prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues. Without treatment, typhoid can lead to severe complications and even death.
In terms of geographical prevalence, malaria is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of South America. Typhoid is more widespread in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene, such as South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Both diseases require different treatment approaches. Malaria is typically treated with antimalarial drugs like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), while typhoid is treated with antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin.
Preventative measures for malaria include using insect repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and taking prophylactic antimalarial medications. For typhoid, prevention involves ensuring safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and vaccination.
Comparison Chart
Causative Agent
Plasmodium parasites
Salmonella typhi bacteria
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Transmission
Mosquito bites
Contaminated food and water
Common Symptoms
Fever, chills, flu-like symptoms
Prolonged fever, abdominal pain
Geographic Prevalence
Tropical and subtropical regions
Areas with poor sanitation
Treatment
Antimalarial drugs (e.g., ACTs)
Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin)
Prevention
Mosquito control, prophylactic drugs
Safe water, sanitation, vaccination
Compare with Definitions
Malaria
A disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by mosquitoes.
Malaria is common in tropical regions.
Typhoid
A bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi.
Typhoid fever is prevalent in areas with poor sanitation.
Malaria
Prevented by using mosquito nets and repellents.
Travelers are advised to take malaria precautions.
Typhoid
Transmitted through contaminated food and water.
Consuming unclean water can lead to typhoid.
Malaria
Diagnosed through blood tests for Plasmodium.
A blood smear confirmed the malaria diagnosis.
Typhoid
Symptoms include high fever and abdominal pain.
The doctor suspected typhoid due to the patient’s symptoms.
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that affects humans and other animals. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches.
Typhoid
Prevented by vaccination and good hygiene practices.
Typhoid vaccines are recommended for travelers.
Malaria
An infectious disease characterized by cycles of chills, fever, and sweating, caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium in red blood cells, which is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquito.
Typhoid
Treated with antibiotics.
Prompt antibiotic treatment cured his typhoid fever.
Malaria
(Archaic) Bad or foul air; miasma.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever.
Malaria
A disease spread by mosquito, in which a protozoan, Plasmodium, multiplies in blood every few days.
Typhoid
Of, relating to, or resembling typhoid fever.
Malaria
(archaic) Supposed poisonous air arising from marshy districts, once thought to cause fever.
Typhoid
Characterised by or relating to typhus.
Malaria
Air infected with some noxious substance capable of engendering disease; esp., an unhealthy exhalation from certain soils, as marshy or wet lands, producing fevers; miasma.
Typhoid
Of or pertaining to typhus; resembling typhus; of a low grade like typhus; as, typhoid symptoms.
Malaria
A human disease caused by infection of red blood cells by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, giving rise to fever and chills and many other symptoms, characterized by their tendency to recur at definite and usually uniform intervals. The protozoal infection is usually transmitted from another infected individual by the bite of an Anopheles mosquito.
Typhoid
Serious infection marked by intestinal inflammation and ulceration; caused by Salmonella typhosa ingested with food or water
Malaria
An infective disease caused by sporozoan parasites that are transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito; marked by paroxysms of chills and fever
Malaria
Characterized by fever, chills, and anemia.
The patient exhibited classic malaria symptoms.
Malaria
Treated with antimalarial medications.
She recovered quickly after starting malaria treatment.
Common Curiosities
How is malaria transmitted?
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes.
What causes malaria?
Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted by infected mosquitoes.
How is typhoid transmitted?
Typhoid is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water.
What causes typhoid?
Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria, spread through contaminated food and water.
Where is malaria most common?
Malaria is most common in tropical and subtropical regions.
How is typhoid treated?
Typhoid is treated with antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or azithromycin.
What are the preventative measures for malaria?
Preventative measures for malaria include using mosquito repellent, sleeping under mosquito nets, and taking prophylactic antimalarial medications.
Can typhoid be prevented by vaccination?
Yes, typhoid can be prevented by vaccination and practicing good hygiene.
What are common symptoms of malaria?
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, and flu-like illness.
What are common symptoms of typhoid?
Symptoms of typhoid include prolonged fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues.
How is malaria treated?
Malaria is treated with antimalarial drugs, such as artemisinin-based combination therapies.
Can malaria be diagnosed through a blood test?
Yes, malaria is diagnosed through blood tests that detect Plasmodium parasites.
Where is typhoid most common?
Typhoid is most common in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene.
What are the complications of untreated malaria?
Untreated malaria can lead to severe complications such as cerebral malaria, anemia, and organ failure.
What are the complications of untreated typhoid?
Untreated typhoid can lead to severe complications such as intestinal perforation and septicemia.
What are the preventative measures for typhoid?
Preventative measures for typhoid include ensuring safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and vaccination.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
