Widal Test

The Widal Test is a screening procedure used to detect antibodies against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi, the bacteria responsible for typhoid fever. Typhoid is a potentially life-threatening infection transmitted through contaminated food or water.

Patients typically experience symptoms such as persistent fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, and a characteristic rash.

The Widal Test helps identify these infections by measuring rising antibody levels. It detects both IgM and IgG antibodies — IgM suggests a recent infection, while IgG indicates past exposure.

Because typhoid fever can escalate rapidly if untreated, early diagnosis through the Widal Test helps initiate timely treatment and avoid complications such as dehydration, intestinal bleeding, or prolonged fever.

The Widal Test is used for detecting, diagnosing, and screening typhoid fever and related Salmonella infections. It measures antibodies formed in response to Salmonella typhi (O and H antigens) and sometimes S. paratyphi. Antibody titres help indicate whether the infection is recent or past.