Step 1: Understanding typhoid fever.
Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It spreads through contaminated food and water and affects the intestinal tract and bloodstream.
Step 2: Diagnostic requirement.
Diagnosis of typhoid requires detection of antibodies or antigens in the patient’s blood. Serological tests are commonly used for confirmation.
Step 3: Role of Widal test.
Widal test detects antibodies against O and H antigens of Salmonella typhi. It is a standard and widely used diagnostic test for typhoid fever.
Step 4: Evaluation of ELISA and others.
ELISA is used for general antigen-antibody detection, Western blot for protein analysis, and liver function tests for liver health, not specific for typhoid.
Step 5: Clinical relevance.
Widal test helps in early and rapid screening of infection, especially in resource-limited settings.
Step 6: Final conclusion.
Thus, typhoid is confirmed by the Widal test.