The Widal test is a blood test used to diagnose typhoid fever, which is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It detects the presence of antibodies (agglutinins) against the O and H antigens of Salmonella in the patient's serum. These antibodies appear in response to an infection and can help confirm the diagnosis of typhoid fever.
The test is often used in areas where typhoid fever is common, but it has some limitations, such as cross-reactivity with other infections, making it less reliable in some cases. A positive result indicates a current or past infection, but it is usually interpreted in combination with clinical symptoms and other tests for a more accurate diagnosis.