Resistance Exercise Potentiates Antibiotics in the Treatment of Typhoid Fever
Abstract:
Exercise generally has been known to improve immunity thereby offering a better protection against infection. Typhoid fever on the other hand is caused by an infection from bacteria known as Salmonella typhi. This study investigated the effect of resistance exercise, which includes regular lifting of weights in the gym in amateur bodybuilders that are treating typhoid fever with known antibiotics. Fifty (50) regular gymnasium goers (also known as gym rats) that train with weights regularly were recruited for the study. Another 50 volunteers who do not weight-train were also recruited to serve as control group. Both groups were on similar class of antibiotics used in the treatment of typhoid fever, with continued exercise – albeit of less intensity – among the gym goer group. About 3mL of blood sample was taken from each of the participants on Day 1, Day 3, Day 5 and Day 7 of antibiotic use. Haematological studies (Packed Cell Volume {PCV}, White Blood Cell Count {WBC}, Lymphocytes and Haemoglobin) were conducted on the blood samples and data in both groups compared with each other. In addition, data on the symptoms felt by each participant was obtained via well-designed questionnaire.
