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 ache. 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.

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

Typhoid Fever, Typhoid

The Typhi IgM profile 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 doctor will ask you to take this test if they suspect typhoid. Later, you will have to retake the test 1 or 2 times based on your recovery. This is done to monitor the effectiveness of the medications. Also, you will have to take the Typhi IgM profile test after you have recovered to make sure there is no lingering infection in the body.

Before the Test

Usually, there's no need to make any special preparations for the typhi test. However, if your doctor has recommended this test along with another one that requires fasting, they might advise you to avoid certain foods. Talk to your doctor before any test for the best outcomes.

During the Test

A vein in your arm will be pricked to collect a blood sample. Here's what you can anticipate during the procedure:

• The site where the needle is inserted will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
• A tourniquet will be applied to your arm to make finding the veins easier.
• A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw blood. You might experience a quick pinch for a few seconds.
• The blood will be collected in a vial/tube, which will be labelled with your details.

After the Test

After the blood has been drawn:

• A bandage will be applied to the area where the needle was inserted to prevent any bleeding.
• It's normal to have some bruising. Some people might feel dizzy and should rest for a few minutes.
• In case of bleeding, pain, or rashes at the site of the puncture, it's important to reach out to your healthcare provider.

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.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

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.

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: