What Does The Following WIDAL Test Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 14 Dec 2016

Question: Hello Doctor,

I need help in interpreting my mother's WIDAL test report. It says the 'O' antigen is 1:40 and 'H' antigen is 1:40.

Could you kindly tell me what this means?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The result is negative...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

This Widal titre of 1:40 for both 'O' and 'H' antigen is negative. However Widal is not relevant at 1st week of infection. Can you explain the reasons why Widal test was ordered? What are her symptoms?

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (44 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. Prasad!

The reason why we got her test done was because she had fever consistently for about 6 days. We thought it was best to have a blood test done to be sure of what it was.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Widal test more likely negative...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Widal test is not considered diagnostic during the first 7 days of infection. If titre is low and subsequently rising, it is still considered as positive. However in your mother's case, 1/40 is low and therefore typhoid is unlikely. What other tests were performed?

If I were her treating physician, I would order complete blood count, malarial parasite smear, urine routine / culture also. Dengue serology is also performed if she has joint aches.

In a nutshell, we more or less ruled out typhoid. Other cause of infection should be considered.

Hope this helps.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar