Typhidot is a rapid serological diagnostic test that evaluates a blood sample for the presence of antibodies against the bacterium known as Salmonella typhi, which causes typhoid fever. When Salmonella typhi enters the body, it triggers the release of two specific types of antibodies: IgG and IgM. The Typhidot test provides a qualitative analysis of these antibodies to detect the presence of Salmonella typhi bacteria.

What is a Typhidot test?

The Typhidot test is a ready-to-use ELISA-based dot kit designed for the qualitative analysis and detection of IgM and IgG antibodies released in response to the typhoid-causing bacterium, Salmonella typhi. Typhoid is one of the most common diagnostic tests for typhoid fever, which spreads through the consumption of contaminated food and drinks by Salmonella bacteria. Typhoid fever is a life-threatening illness that requires rapid diagnosis and management to prevent outbreaks, as it can easily spread through contaminated contact. The Typhidot test is specifically designed to provide rapid and accurate results. To confirm the presence of antibodies released in response to the outer membrane protein (OMP) of the Salmonella bacteria, patients undergo an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) blood culture.

Purpose of Typhidot test

The purpose of the Typhidot test is to detect and differentiate IgM and IgG antibodies against the Salmonella typhi bacteria, which causes typhoid fever in individuals.

When should you get this Typhidot test?

The Typhidot test is recommended by a doctor or healthcare professional when they suspect that a person is suffering from typhoid fever based on their symptoms. Symptoms that may warrant a test to detect or rule out typhoid fever include:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Gastroenteritis
• A slow pulse rate with a rise in body temperature
• Small red dots or rashes in the abdominal area or on the back

In severe cases of typhoid, additional symptoms may occur alongside fever, including:

• Excessive sweating
• Abnormal heart rate
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Intestinal hemorrhage
• An abnormally swollen abdomen

What happens during the Typhidot test?

The TyphiDot test is conducted using a Typhidot test kit and a blood sample. To collect the blood sample, a phlebotomist locates a vein in the arm, cleans the area with antiseptic liquid, and securely ties a tourniquet around the arm. Then, a needle is used to draw the blood sample, which is placed in a vial.

Procedure for Typhidot test

The blood sample is placed in the Typhidot test kit, where it is mixed with reagents that assess the presence of target antibodies in the blood. The Typhidot test kit can provide results within 1-3 hours.

Uses of Typhidot test

The TyphiDot test is employed to confirm or rule out the occurrence of typhoid fever in patients experiencing fever and symptoms resembling typhoid fever. Additionally, a doctor or healthcare provider may recommend a TyphiDot IgM test for individuals who have recently traveled to areas where typhoid fever is endemic or have been exposed to the bacteria. The test may also be recommended if a person experiences a recurrence of symptoms of typhoid fever.

How to prepare for the Typhidot test?

For a Typhidot test, no specific precautions or preparations may be required. Fasting is usually not necessary before a Typhidot test. However, it may be recommended to stop taking certain medications or health supplements a few days before the test. Furthermore, patients should inform their doctor or healthcare provider of any underlying conditions they may have to help assess if they could interfere with the test in any way.

Values of Typhidot test Results

When a blood sample is tested for typhoid, the test detects the presence of both IgM and IgG antibodies. The presence of IgM antibodies suggests an active or recent infection, while the presence of IgG antibodies indicates a past infection or previous vaccination against typhoid bacteria. The Typhidot test yields either positive or negative results.

If a Typhidot IgM test for typhoid is positive, it indicates an active infection, and the person whose blood is tested is suffering from typhoid. If the Typhidot IgM test is negative, it means there are no antibodies present. In this case, it can be inferred that either the person is not suffering from typhoid, or the sample was taken too early for antibodies to develop in response to the infection.

Conclusion

The Typhidot test is a qualitative assessment of antibodies released in response to the bacteria that cause typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is a serious illness that can be fatal and spreads quite easily. Therefore, early and quick diagnosis is crucial to contain the spread and effectively treat typhoid and its associated symptoms.

FAQs 

1. What if Typhidot is positive?

Ans. If a Typhidot test is positive, it indicates the presence of antibodies released in response to typhoid-causing bacteria, suggesting that the person is suffering from an ongoing typhoid fever.

2. When should the typhoid test be done?

Ans. A typhoid test should be performed if there has been exposure to typhoid-causing bacteria or if a person exhibits symptoms of typhoid fever.

3. Is a blood test necessary for typhoid?

Ans. For the quick determination of typhoid-causing bacteria by detecting antibodies in the body, a blood test using the Typhidot kit can provide quick diagnostic results.

4. Is the Typhidot Test reliable?

Ans. The Typhidot test is trusted by doctors for the fast diagnosis of typhoid. It is easy to use and is deemed safe for all age groups. A Typhidot test has a positive predictive value of 95%, while a Widal test has an 87% positive predictive value. Therefore, it is considered extremely reliable as a rapid typhoid test.

5. How accurate is Typhidot?

Ans. A Typhidot test provides quick, simple, and accurate results for the presence of antibodies within a few hours. The specificity, sensitivity, and positive predictive value of a Typhidot test are 83%, 93%, and 95%, respectively. Therefore, it can be considered highly accurate.

6. How much does a Typhidot test cost?

Ans. The Typhidot IgM test price ranges between Rs. 400 and Rs. 700 in different cities.