Typhi Test - IgM

The Typhi IgM Test usually helps to diagnose the antibodies against the outer membrane protein of Salmonella Typhi. The Typhi IgM test is usually done with the complete Typhidot test. This test includes a dot ELSA kit that detects IgM and IgG antibodies. The typhidot test results are positive after 2-3 days of the infection. Also, it separately identifies the IgM and IgG antibodies.

IgM test results help in detecting a recent infection in the body. On the other hand, IgG helps in diagnosing any remote infection in the body. However, the most significant limitation of the Typhi IgM results is that they are not quantitative, only either positive or negative. However, getting a detailed test of Typhi IgM can help understand the specific antibodies present in the body.

The test helps in detecting typhoid fever. It is a very common disease and rapid diagnosis of the same is essential. A number of multi-drug resistant strains of bacteria are the cause of typhoid fever. This infection is associated with both mortality and morbidity. In fact, a delay in diagnosis and appropriate treatment can lead to risky outcomes, including mortality.

Proper diagnosis of typhoid fever is required to not only help the patient but also to identify and treat potential carriers and prevent deadly typhoid outbreaks. The early rising antibodies to lipopolysaccharides O are accurately IgM in nature. The detection of S.Typhi-specific IgM antibodies rather than IgG serves as a marker for recent infection.

The early symptoms of typhoid include weakness, fatigue, headache, sweating, muscle aches, stomach pain, rash, dry cough, loss of appetite and weight loss. If you have any of these symptoms, it calls for a Typhi IgM profile test.

If you have the slightest doubt, it is a good idea to consult a doctor and immediately go for the complete typhidot test. The Typhi IgM profile test helps with the diagnosis of typhoid fever at any stage.

A Typhi IgM test is also prescribed if you have abdominal aches. Also, if you have acute constipation and a rash on the body, your doctor might ask you to take the test.

Typhoid is inherently endemic in Indian settings and is a major health problem in the country. It is caused by the contamination of food and water. It is found to be prevalent when hygiene conditions are very low. The commonly affected areas include states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi and some parts of Gujarat. The incidence of typhoid fever is high in slums.

Other names of the Typhi IgM test

• Typhi antibody test-IgM
• Typhidot test-IgM
• Salmonella Typhi IgM
• Typhidot test

What does the test detect or measure and who is it prescribed for?

The Typhi IgM test detects the presence of antibodies against Salmonella typhi due to a recent infection in the body.

The early symptoms for which your consulting physician will prescribe the Typhi IgM test include:

• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sweating
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Rash
• Loss of appetite resulting in weight loss
• Fever that increases gradually over the days
• Stomach pain

If proper treatment is not given, the patient can become delirious and lie motionless and exhausted with eyes half-closed. This is known as the ‘typhoid state’. Also, life-threatening complications can develop over time. However, it is important to take the follow-up Typhi IgM test as the symptoms can resurface in two weeks, even if the fever has subsided.

The results of the Typhi IgM test will help the doctor diagnose your condition. If some of the antibodies are still present in the blood, the doctor will continue with a course of medication.

The Typhi IgM Test is applicable for all genders, both young adults and children.

The result of a Typhi IgM test is based on the analysis of a blood sample. The test will detect your antibodies with a single sample.

Test preparation

The Typhi IgM test is a blood test that does not require fasting or any specific preparation. However, inform your doctor about any medications you are taking so that they do not affect the results of the Typhi IgM test.

During the test procedure, the lab technician will place a tourniquet or elastic tightly on your upper arm. You will then be asked to make a fist to facilitate the buildup of blood in the veins. The area of skin is then cleaned and the blood sample collected with a needle inserted in a vein of the arm.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The Typhi-IgM test detects the antibodies against Salmonella typhi. It does not have any fixed range or parameters as the test result is either positive or negative. The result of the Typhi IgM profile test detects a recent infection in the body.

However, this test alone cannot detect every aspect of the infection in detail. You will also have to take the Typhi IgG test to diagnose any remote infections in the body. After that, the doctor will be able to give you proper treatment and medication.

The Typhi IgM is a qualitative test result that is not presented as ranges; it is either positive or negative. However, the normal range of IgM present in the body should be 0.4-2.5g/L for both men and women.

Typhi IgM helps in giving a report of antibodies and recent infections in the body. A positive test result of the Typhi IgM means that you have an infection in your body. However, to diagnose typhoid, the doctor will advise you to take other tests like the Typhi IgG test, Widal test, urine culture test, stool culture test and blood culture test.

The IgM antibodies are produced against the outer membrane protein of the Salmonella typhi. IgM antibodies are calculated separately.

A positive Typhidot IgM test suggests a recent infection with the bacteria Salmonella typhi. This bacteria causes typhoid fever.

A Negative Typhidot IgM test indicates there is no infection with the bacteria Salmonella typhi.

Typhoid Fever, Typhoid

Depending on the city and the lab, the cost of a Typhoid test can differ. Generally, the price for a Typhoid test ranges from INR 339 to INR 599. Here's a detailed breakdown of the average expenses for a Typhoid test in several key cities in India: