The Widal test is commonly performed when a patient exhibits symptoms like prolonged fever, weakness, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. It is typically conducted after the first week of illness to allow antibodies to develop. However, results may sometimes be misleading due to prior vaccinations or previous infections, leading to false positives or negatives.
A positive Widal test alone is not always sufficient for diagnosis, as cross-reactivity with other infections can occur. Therefore, doctors often recommend additional tests, such as blood cultures, to confirm typhoid fever. The test results are expressed in titers, with a significant rise in antibody levels between two tests taken a few days apart considered more reliable for diagnosis.
While the Widal test remains widely used in regions with high typhoid prevalence, newer diagnostic techniques like rapid antigen tests and PCR-based methods offer more accurate results. Early diagnosis and proper treatment with antibiotics are crucial to managing typhoid fever and preventing complications.
