Evaluation of Advanced Diagnostic Methods for Typhoid Fever in the Malwa Region, Punjab

Aim: The aim of study was to assess the effectiveness of conventional and advanced diagnostic techniques to overcome on false positive result of typhoid cases due to cross reactivity of different antibody present in human body. Method: Sampling was conducted in selected hospitals at both primary and secondary levels in the Malwa region. Blood and stool samples were collected from patients suspected for typhoid fever, and tests were performed at Bector Diagnostics Lab. The laboratory parameter like IgG and IgM Typhi Dot done form the blood and direct Stool culture at selective media recommended by CLSI guideline. A total of 450 patients were included in the study, out of which 150 patients taken as healthy controls and 300 were the patients showing symptoms of typhoid and had a fever for four days. Result: The results for “sensitivity and specificity” of all 3 diagnostic tests were as follows: 47.61% and 40.14% for Widal testing in hospitals, 100% and 96.90% for TyphiDot, and 79.16% and 99% for Stool culture. The Widal test showed interoperator variability and was insensitive. Overall, the IgM antibody-detection device TyphiDot showed the most encouraging and dependable results. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the importance of TyphiDot in the apparent treatment of typhoid fever. Its diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment or preventative measures. More diagnoses are required to ensure accuracy in typhoid fever cases.