Typhoid fever is a serious, life-threatening, bacterial infection caused by the bacteria, Salmonella typhi.
Widal test, a rapid serological examination, is used to diagnose enteric fever.
It is used to detect particular antibodies in the serum of patients with typhoid by the help of antigen-antibody interaction.
The pathogen can make its way into the human body via contaminated food and water and migrate to different organs through blood.
Some of the commonly seen symptoms of typhoid are sustained onset of high fever, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea and vomiting.
In extreme cases, the infection can affect the small intestine by causing intestinal perforation which may even lead to death.
This infection may also affect the alimentary canal and the brain in certain serious cases.
Such an infection is preventable by vaccine and can be treated by antibiotics, oral hydration therapy and surgery in severe cases.
Final Answer –
Salmonella typhi is the causative agent for typhoid.
A Widal test is administered to confirm this disease.
Pathogens gain entry by contaminated foods and water.
Diagnostic symptoms are high fever, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhoea, vomiting, etc.
In severe cases, the small intestine, alimentary canal and brain are affected.