Widal test is less commonly performed in developed nations; however, a number of developing countries still use it to make a presumption or pre-diagnosis of typhoid fever.
Watch this informative video by Dr. Pratibha Karande on the vital facets of Widal test.
What is Widal test?
It is a common test that is conducted for the detection of typhoid fever.
What is typhoid fever?
In the medical terminology, typhoid fever is also called as ‘enteric fever’. It is actually a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria named as ‘Salmonella typhi’. This bacteria gets infected in the human body because of the consumption of contaminated water or food.
What are the symptoms of typhoid infection?
- High grade fever
- Abdomen pain
- Generalized weakness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Loose motions
What could be the effects of untreated typhoid?
It is essential that the typhoid fever gets detected and treated as soon as possible. If it is not treated on time then complications like intestinal bleeding or perforation of intestine may occur.
Why to perform Widal test?
- For the detection of typhoid fever (after getting positive results for Widal test, this helps the doctor to provide appropriate treatment to achieve cure from Salmonella typhi infection)
- In some cases, the test could be repeated as detection of the bacteria may not take place at that moment or in the first place
