Evaluation of Widal test in diagnosis of typhoid fever among patients in Aden, Yemen

ABSTRACT

Salmonella typhi is strictly human pathogen and has no animal reservoir. The laboratory diagnosis of typhoid fever depends upon either clinical investigation or the detection of titers of agglutination of serum antibodies [Widal test]. 216 Yemeni patients with suspected typhoid fever, were investigated with Widal test, slide agglutination test and stool culture. The Widal test showed different results which then compared with conventional broth and solid culture of, MacConkey [MA], Salmonella-Shigella agar [SSA], Bismuth Sulfite Agar [BSA], Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate [XLD] and Kligller Iron Agar [KIA]. The presence of S. typhi was in 4 patients [1.85%], whereas S. paratyphi AB was detected in 24 patients [11.11%]. The stool cultures and biochemical tests the existence of S. typhi the causative agent of typhoid fever. Then the typhoid fever was further confirmed by the API 20E system