Tests to Diagnose Typhoid!

To diagnose typhoid fever, healthcare providers typically rely on a combination of tests. These tests include: 
 

• Culture Test: A sample of blood, stool, urine, or bone marrow is collected and cultured in a lab to identify the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria. Results take 2-3 days. 
   
• Antibody Test: This test checks for antibodies produced in response to typhoid bacteria by examining a blood sample. Results are usually available within a day or two. 
   
• DNA Test: Detects the genetic material of Salmonella typhi in a patient's sample using PCR. Results can be obtained rapidly, aiding early diagnosis. 
   
• Bone Marrow Culture: Highly sensitive for detecting Salmonella typhi, this test involves collecting a bone marrow sample under local anesthesia. Results may take a few days. 
   
• Real-Time PCR: A molecular technique amplifying specific DNA sequences for early diagnosis within the first 5 days of symptoms. Results are available rapidly. 
   
• Widal Test: Detecting specific antibodies against Salmonella typhi, this test may yield results within a day or two but has limitations due to inaccuracies. 
   

These tests are vital for diagnosing typhoid fever, guiding healthcare providers in determining the most effective treatment for patients. 
 

Watch our next video to know about ”Pathophysiology of Typhoid Fever! 
 

Source1:-Symptoms and Treatment | Typhoid Fever | CDC. (n.d.). Symptoms and Treatment | Typhoid Fever | CDC. Retrieved March 7, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/symptoms.html 
 

Source2:-Typhoid fever. (2024, March 8). Typhoid fever. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/typhoid-fever/diagnosis/