COMPARISON AND SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF HOMEOPATHIC AND ALLOPATHIC DRUGS USED FOR THE TREATMENT OF TYPHOID FEVER

Abstract

Enteric fever (typhoid), which annually affects millions of people and results in a considerable number of deaths, represents a serious challenge to the world. The causative agent, Salmonella typhi, has evolved a resistance to conventional medicines. In order to combat S. typhi, this study explores the synergistic potential of homoeopathic and allopathic medicine. Disc diffusion method was used in the study to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity of homeopathic medicine i.e. Baptisia, Gelsemium, Belladonna, and Rhustox. The results showed zones of inhibition of 12 mm, 15 mm, 15 mm, and 19 mm, respectively. MIC and MBC values of 64 µg/ml and 256 µg/ml for Gelsemium and Baptisia respectively showed strong inhibition. Combining several homoeopathic drugs with antibiotics to combat S. typhi was evaluated in this study; results showed synergy with Belladonna, neutrality with Rhustox and Gelsemium, and antagonism with Baptisia. Overall, the research suggests homeopathy's potential in the fight against multi drug resistant S. typhi.