Q: I am a 34 years old female who underwent Widal test, which showed TO 1:80 normal range 1/80, TH 1:80 normal range 1/80, Ah 1:16 normal range 1/80 and BH 1:80 normal range 1/80. What does my Widal test indicate?

A:The results could be because of previous exposure to the antigens of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi or Salmonella enterica serotype Paratyphi A or Paratyphi B. This exposure could have happened because of natural infection or because of immunisation. It is also possible that these results may be due to serological non-specific cross-reactivity to other antigens. Because of the multiplicity of possibilities, and difficulties in interpretation of many results, Widal test is no longer the preferred test for the diagnosis of Enteric Fever or Typhoid fever. Blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of Enteric Fever or Typhoid fever. It might be useful to repeat the Widal test in 2-3 weeks to see if there is any change in the titre of antibodies.