Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It is potentially fatal and affects multiple organ systems. Intestinal perforation and hemorrhage are major complications that can occur in the third week and require surgical intervention. Diagnosis involves epidemiological data, symptoms, and lab tests like blood cultures and serological tests. Treatment depends on antibiotic resistance of the infecting strain. Vaccines are available but have limitations. Paratyphoid fever is similar but generally milder and caused by other Salmonella species.