What Does This Widal Test Result Indicate?

Posted on Sun, 11 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 11 Jan 2015 Answered on

Mon, 9 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : a blood test revealed that my Salmonella typhi H (TH) is reactive 1:160 but all other 3 typhi & paratyphi results are non reactive. Please explain what this means.

Answered by Dr. Dr.P.Ratnakar Kini (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tests for enteric fever

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query.
I am Dr.R.K and I am pleased to assist you.
This test is called Widal Test.
It is a test for enteric fever which is commonly called typhoid fever.

There are four antibodies that would be looked in to.
Of the four you are positive for one and the titre is significant.
It can indicate past infection, typhoid vaccination or even unrelated illness.

A positive blood culture and four fold rise in the antibody titer are more suggestive of enteric fever.

I hope that answers your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar