The Sensitivity Of Diazo Test In The Diagnosis Of Enteric Fevers

Abstract

To ascertain the sensitivity of Diazo (chemical) test in comparison to the Widal (serological) test in the diagnosis of enteric fevers, blood specimens from101 patients suspected of having enteric fevers were collected. 54.5% (55) of the patients were significantly seropositive. Fifteen urine specimens from these 55 seropositive patients were positive for Diazo tests, giving a sensitivity of about 27%. Salmonella typhi was the predominant serotype causing typhoid/paratyphoid fevers, followed by S. paratypi A; S. paratyphi C and S. paratyphi B respectively. Although Diazo test does not appear to be reliable, it could still be useful alongside with Widal agglutination test in endemic rural or urban areas where electricity and facilities are absent or inadequate for routine laboratory investigations.

African Journal of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology Vol. 9 (3) 2008: pp. 115-118