Widal test is used for the diagnosis of?

Appeared in: BHU NO - 2015

Explanation

The Widal test is a classic serological assay specifically designed to aid in the diagnosis of enteric fever (typhoid fever).
It works by detecting the presence of agglutinating antibodies (O and H antibodies) against the causative agent, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi.
A positive result is indicated by the agglutination (clumping) of the bacterial antigen when mixed with the patient's serum.
A significant rise in antibody titers in paired samples is more indicative of an active infection than a single test.

Option B: Malaria is a parasitic disease, not bacterial. Its diagnosis relies on directly identifying the Plasmodium parasite or its antigens.
Option C: Cholera is a bacterial infection of the intestine. The Widal test does not detect antibodies against Vibrio cholerae.
Option D: Plague is a severe bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. The Widal test is irrelevant for its diagnosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Serological diagnosis of infectious diseases to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
Nurses play a crucial role in collecting blood samples for the Widal test at the appropriate time, typically after the first week of fever when antibody levels start to rise.
It is important for nurses to understand that a single Widal test is often inconclusive. They may need to explain to the patient or family the necessity of a second sample for convalescent-phase testing to demonstrate a rising titer.
Patient education is key. Nurses should instruct patients with suspected enteric fever on hygiene practices (handwashing, safe food and water) to prevent transmission, as the disease spreads via the fecal-oral route.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'Widal test'.
This is a direct factual recall question. Access your knowledge base about common diagnostic tests in microbiology.
Recall or deduce the specific disease associated with the Widal test. The name itself is not indicative, so it relies on memorized knowledge.
Associate 'Widal' with 'Typhoid' or 'Enteric fever'.
Evaluate the given options. 'Enteric fever' is listed as an option.
Confirm that the other options (Malaria, Cholera, Plague) are diagnosed using different methods (e.g., blood smear, stool culture) to solidify your choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 267-269

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1358-1360

Practise the full BHU NO - 2015

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