Widal (Typhoid) Test DETAILS
A useful test to support diagnosis of Typhoid fever, caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi.
Our Typhoid test basically consists of Widal and/or,IgG/IgM antibody tests. To perform this test you will need to visit your laboratory of choice for the collection of a Blood sample.
Typhoid fever, also known simply as typhoid, is a bacterial infection due to Salmonella typhi. Symptoms may vary from mild to severe and usually begin six to thirty days after exposure. Often there is a gradual onset of a high fever over several days. Weakness, abdominal pain, constipation, and headaches also commonly occur. Diarrhea is uncommon and vomiting is not usually severe. Some people develop a skin rash with rose-colored spots.
Diagnosis is by either culturing the bacteria or detecting the bacterium's DNA in the blood, stool, or bone marrow. Widal test which is a demonstration of antibodies against Salmonella antigens, O-somatic and H-flagellar, are commonplace in tropical regions. However, the specificity of the test, even though still in use, is relatively low. Symptoms are similar to that of many other infectious diseases.
Certain medical tests consisting of a dot ELISA kit can detect IgM and IgG antibodies against the outer membrane protein (OMP) of the Salmonella typhi. IgM shows recent infection whereas IgG signifies remote infection.
Disclaimer: Laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as a "stand-alone" item. Test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental information/tests. The meaning of your tests results will be explained by your healthcare providers, based on additional information you provide them.