Widal Slide Test

This test helps to diagnose enteric fever or typhoid fever caused by microorganisms like Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B, C. In this test, the blood of an individual reacts with the Salmonella antigens on slide and forms agglutination (clumping) or not.

What are Antibodies?

Antibodies are the protective proteins produced by the immune system and also known as immunoglobulins. Antibodies are produced when any foreign substance or virus or bacteria enters into the body. These foreign substances are known as antigens. Antibodies recognize and attach to the antigens in order to remove them from the body.

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi and grows in the intestine and blood. During infection, patients body produces antibodies against Salmonella typhi O and H and Salmonella paratyphi AH and BH antigens.

Why this test is performed?

This test is performed to check the presence of Salmonella species antibodies in the blood. It also helps to diagnose enteric fever or typhoid fever caused by microorganisms like Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, B, C. The doctor may ask you to undergo this test if you are suffering from symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, rose-colored spots, pain in abdomen, chills, nausea or vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, or skin rash, etc. This test may be recommended for patients those who are undergoing treatment for typhoid or paratyphoid fever to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with typhoid or paratyphoid fever, your doctor may advise you to get this test done once in every 2 weeks based on your clinical condition.

Precautions: Some medications may change the test results and hence, you are advised to inform all your current medications to the doctor prior to the test.

If the test results are negative, it may indicate that there is no infection caused by Salmonella species. In case the test results are positive, it may indicate that there may be a chance for infection caused by Salmonella species and you may consult with your doctor.