Which of the following disease can be detected by Widal test ?

Options

A. Typhoid
B. AIDS
C. Malaria
D. Tuberculousis

Answer

To determine which disease can be detected by the Widal test, we need to analyze the options provided:

1. **Typhoid**: The Widal test is specifically designed to detect antibodies against the bacteria *Salmonella typhi*, which is the causative agent of typhoid fever. This test measures the presence of specific antibodies (O and H antigens) in the patient's serum, indicating an infection. Therefore, typhoid can be detected by the Widal test.

2. **AIDS**: AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is caused by the HIV virus. The Widal test is not used for detecting viral infections. Instead, tests such as ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) are used for diagnosing AIDS. Thus, this option is incorrect.

3. **Malaria**: Malaria is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus *Plasmodium*. The Widal test does not detect malaria; specific blood tests such as rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy are used for malaria diagnosis. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

4. **Tuberculosis**: Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily caused by the bacterium *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*. The Widal test does not diagnose tuberculosis; instead, tests such as the tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) or sputum culture are used. Hence, this option is incorrect as well.

Based on this analysis, the only disease that can be detected by the Widal test is:

**Answer: Typhoid**