[Paratyphoid B fever in 2 areas of Santiago. An analysis of the epidemiological significance].

Salmonella isolates from 3920 patients with typhoid fever from 2 areas in Santiago were analyzed to determine the frequency of association with S paratyphi B infection. This was demonstrated in 18.8% of subjects in both areas, a figure significantly higher than the 8-10% previously reported. The association with S paratyphi B was higher for females, especially for the younger age group. These findings suggest an infectious agent-gender-age interaction which may explain the discrepancy with previously reported rates of infection. Their possible relation to the chronic salmonella carrier state and association with biliary tract lithiasis and cancer is discussed.