Typhoid fever is a type of infection caused by Salmonella Typhi that affects your small intestine and that might result in high fever along with abdominal pain.
Typhoid fever is a type of infection caused by Salmonella Typhi that affects your small intestine and that might result in high fever along with abdominal pain.
It is still a prevalent issue in developing countries due to improper sanitation facilities. Typhoid is one of the most common intestinal infections known to us ever since centuries.
Typhoid stems from drinking or ingesting the contaminated substances. Common Typhoid Symptoms of fever include nausea, stomach cramps, high body temperature and vomiting. Diagnosis of typhoid by doing Typhoid Tests helps with high mortality and saves lives from delayed treatment.
What are the Causes of Typhoid Fever?
Typhoid fever is primarily caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi. Infection typically occurs during travel and spreads through the fecal-oral route. The most common transmission methods include:
- Contact with urine or feces from an infected person
- Consuming food handled by someone infected with typhoid
- Using toilets that have not been properly cleaned after use by an infected person
- Drinking water contaminated with the bacteria
It is important to note that typhoid can be spread by individuals who do not show symptoms. People who have received antibiotic treatment for typhoid may still carry and transmit the bacteria. These individuals are known as "chronic carriers" because they no longer display symptoms but can still infect others.
Diagnostic Tests for Typhoid Detection
Several Typhoid tests are used to diagnose typhoid fever:
IgM Test
This test detects IgM antibodies specific to Salmonella typhi. It is effective for early detection, identifying typhoid fever approximately 2-3 days after symptoms begin.
Blood Culture
Blood culture is considered the gold standard for typhoid diagnosis. This method involves isolating and identifying the bacteria from a patient's sample. For optimal results, the test should be performed within one week of symptom onset. Multiple blood cultures using larger sample volumes often provide more accurate results.
Real-time PCR
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a molecular test used to diagnose typhoid fever. This test is most effective when conducted within the first 5 days after symptoms appear. Get real-time Typhoid Tests Price from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre.
Widal Test
The Widal blood test has historically been the conventional method for diagnosing typhoid fever. It works by measuring the levels of antibodies against Salmonella Typhi in a patient's blood. While commonly used, this test has limitations due to the possibility of false positives, particularly in areas where typhoid is endemic.
Procedure of the Typhoid Test
Blood Test
Blood Typhoid Tests can be conducted using two primary methods: blood tests and stool culture tests. For a blood test, you will be asked to sit comfortably while the phlebotomist prepares to collect a sample. The healthcare professional will apply a band around your arm to make your veins more visible, then clean the area with an antiseptic solution. The blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm and collected in a test tube. After collection is complete, the phlebotomist will place cotton gauze and a bandage over the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
Stool test
For a stool test, your healthcare provider will give you a specialized container designed for stool collection. You should first wash your hands thoroughly before collecting the sample. Once you have collected your stool sample in the provided container, seal it securely according to the instructions given. The sealed container must then be returned to your healthcare provider, who will send it to the laboratory for analysis. Both testing methods are important diagnostic tools for confirming typhoid infection.
Get The Right Typhoid Diagnostic!
Typhoid fever is a very common disease in India. The early detection of typhoid not only aids in its treatment but also helps in controlling the spread of the infection. Typhoid is generally a foodborne disease, spreading through contaminated food and water. Now that you understand the symptoms and diagnosis of typhoid fever, it is essential to seek a professional who performs the Typhoid Test in Delhi NCR immediately if you observe these symptoms in yourself.
FAQs
Can CBC test detect typhoid?
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test performed during typhoid infection will only reveal an increase in the number of white blood cells (WBCs). For a confirmatory diagnosis of typhoid fever, more specific tests are required. These include the Widal test, IgM test, blood culture, and real-time PCR.
Which test is done for the diagnosis of typhoid in the first week?
Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (real-time PCR) is used for diagnosing typhoid within the first 5 days after symptoms appear.
What is the normal range for typhoid tests?
The normal range for the Widal test, which is commonly used to diagnose typhoid, is less than 1:20, 1:40, 1:80, or 1:160.
