Korean J Infect Dis.  2001 Jun;33(3):206-209.

Usefulness of Widal Test in the Diagnosis of Typhoid Fever

• Lee CK
• Lee S
• Choi JK
• Lee ST

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Typhoid can be diagnosed with certainly only by the isolation of Salmonella Typhi from the blood, urine, feces, or other body fluids. The Widal reaction has been one of the most important diagnostic tests for typhoid and is still widely used in many developing countries. METHODS: The Widal test was done in 50 nontyphoidal febrile patients, and 50 patients with proven typhoid in Chonbuk area. we compare this result with that of last 10 years. RESULTS: By rapid slide method S. typhi O titer of 1:160 or more was seen in 58% and S. typhi H titer of 1:320 or more was seen in 12% of patients with bacteriologically proven typhoid fever. CONCLUSION: O titer was similar to the result of past 10 years. A false positive test was found in 40% of patients with nontyphoidal febrile patients in whom Widal test must therefore be interpreted with caution.

Keyword

Typhoid fever; Widal test

MeSH Terms

Body Fluids
Developing Countries
Diagnosis*
Diagnostic Tests, Routine
Feces
Humans
Jeollabuk-do
Salmonella typhi
Typhoid Fever*