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Had Typhoid. Now Have Widal Test Positive. What Other Test We Need To Do?
my niece had typhoid last year. she had widal test and it came out positive. she had complete course the doctor prescribed. since then she fall ill neararound every 3 months.and when we get this widal test done for her, it always comes positive. is there any problem? is everything okay? what other test we need to do for her?
Tue, 12 Mar 2013
Hi,
Thank you for your query,
Even though typhoid is cured completely , the test may come positive as the test used in widal is to detect the antibodies.
The antibodies will persist for longer time so the test will be positive.
But the titre of the test and symptoms are imortant to know these episodes are relapses of typhoid or due to the other problems.
So I advise you to consult the doctor for interpretation of test results and further evaluation.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you for your query,
Even though typhoid is cured completely , the test may come positive as the test used in widal is to detect the antibodies.
The antibodies will persist for longer time so the test will be positive.
But the titre of the test and symptoms are imortant to know these episodes are relapses of typhoid or due to the other problems.
So I advise you to consult the doctor for interpretation of test results and further evaluation.
Hope I have answered your query.
I find this answer helpful
2 Doctors agree with this answer
Hi,
Welcome to HCM,
After going through your history ,if some one suffers Typhoid usually it is cured in 2 weeks time and it is more important to diagnose clinically and take complete treatment,but once it is treated widal test may remain positive for some time then titre starts falling to reach herd immunity level.
If she falls sick again and again as it is water born disease take care of potable water and food items which takes.
It is also possible to have false positive report of positive widal in various other disease like malaria and Tuberculosis.
She must be investigated properly not to miss any other diagnosis.
Now a days widal test has limited value and for Typhoid if Blood culture is available must be used for diagnosis along with clinical features and findings.
You should get her X ray chest and Ultra sonography to exclude other possibilities, please discuss with your treating doctor.
Take care
Good Luck.
Welcome to HCM,
After going through your history ,if some one suffers Typhoid usually it is cured in 2 weeks time and it is more important to diagnose clinically and take complete treatment,but once it is treated widal test may remain positive for some time then titre starts falling to reach herd immunity level.
If she falls sick again and again as it is water born disease take care of potable water and food items which takes.
It is also possible to have false positive report of positive widal in various other disease like malaria and Tuberculosis.
She must be investigated properly not to miss any other diagnosis.
Now a days widal test has limited value and for Typhoid if Blood culture is available must be used for diagnosis along with clinical features and findings.
You should get her X ray chest and Ultra sonography to exclude other possibilities, please discuss with your treating doctor.
Take care
Good Luck.
I find this answer helpful
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