Typhidot - IgG in Kandivali East, Mumbai

Typhoid fever is a disease caused by the consumption of food and water contaminated by a bacteria called Salmonella typhi. The microorganism usually grows in the intestines, lymph nodes, spleen, liver, gall bladder, and Peyer's patches.

While its initial symptoms mimick those of a common infection, typhoid fever can turn life-threatening if not treated on time. The most common causes of the Gastrointestinal infection of Salmonella include: 

• Lack of sanitation
• Limited access to clean water and food
• Contact with the faeces of a typhoid-infected person
• Consumption of food washed in contaminated water
• Using toilets contaminated with bacteria
• Eating raw vegetables fertilised by human waste

Upon ingestion, the Salmonella typhi travels down the digestive system and incubates for 1-2 weeks before causing any symptoms. The common symptoms of typhoid fever include:

• General sense of being unwell
• Abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness and fatigue
• High fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit
• Bloody faeces
• Persistent chills
• Difficulty paying attention
• Confusion, agitation, and hallucinations

People who do not get get timely treatment for the condition can experience severe complications, such as intestinal haemorrhage, kidney failure, etc. Moreover, individuals who have never been exposed to the Salmonella typhi bacteria are at the most risk of infection and developing severe symptoms.

Prevention is one of the effective strategies to reduce the risk of complications. To lower your risk, you must:

• Drink potable water from a sealed bottle or acquired through proper filtration 
• Consume well-cooked vegetables 
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them in a raw form

Upon observing the early symptoms, a physician will likely suggest a Typhidot - IgG test which analyses the presence of Typhi Dot (IgG IgM) antibodies. To detect the gastrointestinal infection of Salmonella, a lab technician will extract the blood from the veins of the arm or hand of the patient. Further, the expert stores the infected blood in an airtight vial for routing to an authorised laboratory.

The blood sample collection process for Typhidot Test for diagnosis of Enteric Fever is associated with minimal side effects. However, one may experience slight pain at the needle insertion point. But other complications can occur, such as:

• Slight discomfort at the extraction site
• Mild Bruising
• Swelling at the injection point 
• Dizziness 
• Nervousness and anxiety (Vasovagal reaction due to the fear of needles)

The Typhoid IgG/IgM rapid testing involves culturing the S. entrica Typhi in a lab on a special medium.

The culture is inspected under a microscope to observe the reaction of the immune system upon the development of bacteria, i.e., Typhi Dot (IgG IgM) antibodies.

Apollo 24|7 offers access to some of the most reliable path laboratories across the country. You can book Typhidot Test for diagnosis of Enteric Fever through Apollo 24|7. With the typhoid fever report, the doctors begin immediate treatment to alleviate the symptoms and kill the bacteria. The most common treatment includes: 

• Antibiotic medications consist of Cipro, Zithromax, and Ceftriaxone.
• At-home care with healthy food intake and adequate hydration infused with electrolytes.
• Intravenous hydration for severely-ill patients.
• Specialised treatment for patients suffering from drug resistance and medicinal allergies.