Comparison of rapid serological diagnostic test in diagnosing typhoid fever in a tertiary care centre in western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: In the study we compare the sensitivity and specificity of two commonly used rapid serological test, Widal test and Typhidot, in the diagnosing of Typhoid fever. Material and Methods: Serum samples coming to the microbiology laboratory for routine testing over the period from September 2019 to November 2020 were analysed for the comparison for the presence of the Salmonella antibodies by carrying out the Typhidot and Widal tube agglutination test in tertiary care centre. Results: Out of 580 blood specimen, 49.3% cases were positive by Typhidot and 38.6% cases were positive by Widal method. Conclusion: Typhidot is a rapid and more sensitive test for early diagnosis of typhoid fever. It is now commercially available for the diagnosis of typhoid fever in areas with limited resources. Widal test showed the sensitivity and specificity of 37% & 62.4% respectively. Typhi dot test showed sensitivity of 41.4% and specificity of 56.5%.