English

Abstract

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Purpose of the study is to compare the sensitivity and specificity of Widal test and Typhi dot with the blood culture, in the diagnosis of Typhoid fever. Material and methods:- Blood samples from 200 clinically diagnosed typhoid cases, were subjected to blood culture and the isolates were identified by biochemical reactions and samples were subjected to serological tests, Widal test and Typhi dot test. RESULTS: Out of 200 clinically diagnosed typhoid cases, 28 (14%) were blood culture positive for Salmonella typhi, 43 (21.5%) were Widal positive and 55 (27.5%) were Typhi dot positive. CONCLUSION : Blood culture and Widal test are used as conventional methods in the diagnosis of the typhoid fever. Typhi dot test is a new rapid serological test introduced commercially for the diagnosis typhoid fever. Typhi dot test has been designed to detect the IgM and IgG antibodies against the outer membrane protein (OMP) of Salmonella typhi. It offers the advantage of rapid & early diagnosis, with a sensitivity & specificity of 92% & 83% respectively in culture proven cases.