COMPARISON OF TYPHIDOT-EIA AND WIDAL TEST IN RESPECT TO POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION AS DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF TYPHOID FEVER

Abstract

Background: The public health burden of typhoid fever can be substantially reduced by early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Aim: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study; aimed to compare Typhidot-EIA test and Widal test in respect to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of the early typhoid fever.

Methods: A total of 80 suspected cases of typhoid fever attending Khartoum Hospitals between August and October 2013, were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from all cases during the first week of illness. Typhidot-EIA test, Widal test and PCR were performed for all samples.

The Result: Out of 80 patients, 35 (43.8%) were found to have rising titer and considered as Widal positive patients and 21 (26.3%) were positive using Typhidot-EIA test; While only 10 (12.5%) were positive by PCR. The sensitivity and specificity of Widal test and Typhidot-EIA test against PCR were 60%, 59% and 80%, 81% respectively

Conclusion: The DOT EIA IgM seems to be a practical alternative to Widal test for early diagnosis of typhoid fever

Key words: Salmonella, Typhidot-EIA, Typhoid fever, Widal test