Description
Widal Test (Typhoid Profile)
The Widal Test is a serological test used to detect typhoid and paratyphoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi bacteria. It measures the presence of specific antibodies (agglutinins) in your blood against the O (somatic) and H (flagellar) antigens of the bacteria.
Why It’s Done
| Health Concern | Purpose of Widal Test |
|---|---|
| High Fever | Suspect prolonged fever > 5 days |
| Gastrointestinal Issues | Persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain |
| Typhoid Symptoms | Headache, fatigue, body aches |
| Epidemic Screening | Assessing outbreaks in communities |
| Monitoring Treatment | Evaluate treatment response in confirmed typhoid cases |
Result Interpretation
| Antibody Titre | Possible Interpretation |
|---|---|
| < 1:80 | Typically negative (no recent infection) |
| ≥ 1:80 – 1:160 | Suspicious – May indicate early infection |
| ≥ 1:160 or rising titre | Suggests active or recent typhoid fever |
Common Symptoms That May Require a Widal Test
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Persistent fever (102°F and above)
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Weakness or body pain
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Abdominal cramps and constipation
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Diarrhea or vomiting
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Rash or “rose spots” on the skin
Why Choose the Widal Test?
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Widely used, quick diagnostic tool for typhoid
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Cost-effective and accessible in most areas
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Essential in high-risk zones or outbreak settings
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Helps guide antibiotic treatment
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Can be combined with other tests like CBC or Blood Culture for accuracy
Good to Know
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The Widal test is more reliable after the 1st week of fever.
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Cross-reactivity or past infections may cause false positives.
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Always correlate results with clinical signs and other diagnostic tests.
Widal Test 
Health Package 9.1 
ESR 
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Health Package 1.1 
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