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Typhi Dot IgM

Also known as Salmonella Typhi IgM

₹399

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Typhi Dot IgM

What is Typhi Dot IgM?

A Typhi Dot IgM test is used to detect the presence of IgM antibodies against Salmonella typhi, the bacteria that causes typhoid. This is a quick and easy-to-perform test to identify an ongoing or recent typhoid infection. Early diagnosis is important as some infected individuals may not exhibit any symptoms yet can spread the infection to others.

Typhoid fever also known as enteric fever is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body, affecting various organs. It is common in places with poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water, food prepared in unhygienic conditions, and poor hygiene. Thus, access to safe/clean water, adequate sanitation, and hygiene among food handlers and typhoid vaccinators are all effective in preventing typhoid fever.

You can consider getting tested with a Typhi Dot IgM test if you are experiencing symptoms like fever, weakness, headache, loss of appetite, pink-colored spots, pain in the abdomen, chills, nausea or vomiting, constipation, muscle weakness, skin rash, etc. This test is also recommended if you have been in contact with a typhoid patient, or have traveled to an area where typhoid is prevalent. Additionally, this test can also be done if an individual is on the treatment for typhoid to evaluate and check the effectiveness of the treatment.

Rapid detection and appropriate treatment administration are essential to prevent typhoid outbreaks and severe complications, such as intestinal bleeding or perforation, hepatitis, shock, or pneumonia. Without prompt treatment, typhoid can be fatal. Since a Typhi Dot IgM test does not require any special laboratory setting or equipment and provides specific, reliable, and easy-to-interpret test results, it is an extremely valuable diagnostic tool.

You may eat and drink as per your daily routine as fasting is not needed before getting a Typhi Dot IgM test done. Abnormal test results require an expert interpretation, therefore, never try to self-medicate at home based solely on these results, and always consult a doctor for proper understanding of the test results.

What is Typhi Dot IgM used for?

A Typhi Dot IgM test is done:

To aid in determining the cause of fever.
To check for a recent or ongoing typhoid infection.
In case of signs or symptoms of typhoid (enteric) fever, such as headache, high fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, or skin rashes.
To screen people who are at a high risk of contracting typhoid fever, such as those who have just returned from a trip to a region where the illness is widespread or who have recently come in contact with infected people.
To evaluate a patient’s response to typhoid fever treatment, and to determine treatment effectiveness.

What does Typhi Dot IgM measure?

A Typhi Dot IgM test is an important and rapid diagnostic tool to diagnose typhoid fever. This test usually shows the typhoid infection within 2-3 days by detecting IgM antibodies, illustrating an active infection respectively. When Salmonella typhi enters the body, your immune system produces IgM antibodies as the body's first response of defense against the outer membrane protein of Salmonella typhi.

IgM antibodies are usually present in higher concentrations shortly after infection before gradually decreasing and eventually disappearing. Therefore, a positive IgM test for Salmonella Typhi typically suggests a recent or acute infection.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Typhi Dot IgM

Frequently Asked Questions about Typhi Dot IgM

Q. Who should get a Typhi Dot IgM test?

Individuals exhibiting symptoms of typhoid fever or those who have been in close contact with a typhoid patient or have traveled to an area where typhoid is prevalent should get a Typhi Dot IgM test.

Q. Are there any risks associated with the Typhi Dot IgM test?

The Typhi Dot IgM test is a safe procedure with minimal risks. As it is a blood test, some people may experience slight pain or bruising at the site where the needle was inserted. There is also a small risk of fainting or developing an infection at the needle site.

Q. What does a positive Typhi Dot IgM test mean?

A positive Typhi Dot IgM test result indicates the presence of IgM antibodies against Salmonella typhi in your blood, suggesting a recent or ongoing infection with typhoid fever.

Q. What are the other tests to diagnose enteric fever?

The other tests that are used to diagnose enteric fever include a Blood Culture test, Widal test, Stool Culture test, and Urine Culture test. Among these, blood culture is the most commonly recommended method for diagnosing enteric fever and is performed during the first week of fever. If in case other test results are inconclusive, bone marrow samples can be used to diagnose any infections.

Q. What are the most common signs and symptoms of typhoid fever?

The most common signs and symptoms of typhoid fever include high fever, weakness, stomach pain, headache, diarrhea or constipation, cough, and loss of appetite.

Q. How does typhoid fever spread?

Typhoid fever can spread through sewage contamination of food or water and from an infected person to another person. You can also get typhoid if you consume anything that has been touched by a person who is infected with the typhoid bacteria and has not washed their hands properly after going to the bathroom.

Q. Who is at risk of typhoid fever?

People who are at risk of getting infected with typhoid fever are those who travel/work to typhoid-prone regions, who come in contact with an infected individual, and who intake water contaminated with Salmonella typhi.

Q. How can I prevent typhoid fever?

Typhoid fever can be prevented by practicing good hygiene and handwashing, drinking clean water, and eating properly cooked food. Vaccination is also available and recommended for those traveling to areas where typhoid fever is prevalent.

Q. What is the difference between typhoid and paratyphoid fever?

Typhoid fever is a disease caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi; whereas, paratyphoid fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella paratyphi. These diseases cause a similar illness; however, paratyphoid infections tend to be less severe and less common than typhoid.

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