Comparative sensitivity and specificity of Typhidot and Typhidot-M tests in the diagnosis of Enteric fever in Malaysian children

Abstract

A study was carried out to compare the sensitivity and specificity of Typhidot and Typhidot-M tests in the diagnosis of enteric fever in Malaysian children. The patients were divided into two groups: (i) those who were blood and /or stool culture positive for S. typhi and/or who had clinical features strongly suggestive of enteric fever; (ii) those who were both culture - negative and had clinical or other evidence of another febrile illness. The results showed both Typhidot and Typhidot-M tests.were as sensitive as Widal test. The Typhidot-M test and slightly greater specificity than the Typhidot test; both had around l0% better specificity than the Widal test. The data also suggest that the Typhidot-M test may, as evidenced by improved specificity, increase diagnostic accuracy for other febrile illnesses in children. The Typhidot and Typhidot-M are both prompt and reliable diagnostic aids in the management of enteric fever The typhidot-M test may be more preferable to the orginal Typhidot test in identifiing patients who develop other febrile illnesses whilst recovering from enteric fever.