The Widal test is a serological test for Salmonella typhi. It is a demonstration of salmonella antibodies against antigens O-somatic and H-flagellar in the blood. It is used to ascertain the presence of typhoid fever. However, it is not a very accurate method, since patients are often exposed to other bacteria (e.g. Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium) in this species that induce cross-reactivity; many people have antibodies against these enteric pathogens, which also react with the antigens in the Widal test, causing a false-positive result. Typhidot is the other test used to ascertain the of typhoid fever. As with all serological tests, the rise in antibody levels needed to make the diagnosis takes 7-14 days, which limits their use. Other means of diagnosing Salmonella typhi (and paratyphi) include cultures of blood, urine and feces. The organism also produces H₂S from thiosulfate. Serology is a medical blood test to detect the presence of antibodies against a microorganism. ... Binomial name Salmonella enterica Salmonella enterica is a species of Salmonella bacterium. ... For a related disease which is caused by a different bacterium, see Paratyphoid fever. ... Salmonella enteritidis is a Gram negative rod-shaped bacterium linked to raw or undercooked eggs and poultry, and one of many causative agents of food poisoning. ... Binomial name Salmonella enterica Salmonella enterica is a species of Salmonella bacterium. ... For a related disease which is caused by a different bacterium, see Paratyphoid fever. ... Horse feces Feces, faeces, or fæces (see spelling differences) is a waste product from an animals digestive tract expelled through the anus (or cloaca) during defecation. ...

See also

Georges-Fernand Widal TEST REPORT Georges-Fernand-Isidor Widal (March 9, 1862, Algeria/Paris - January 14, 1929) was a French physician. ...

References

• Olopoenia LA, King AL. Widal agglutination test - 100 years later: still plagued by controversy. Postgrad Med J 2000; 76(892): 80-4. PMID 10644383