Evaluation of Blood Culture, Clot Culture and Diazo test in Diagnosis of Typhoid fever and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Salmonella Typhi in a tertiary care hospital, Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Diagnosis of Typhoid fever and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern

Abstract

Introduction: Typhoid fever is a life threatening systemic infection occurring more frequently in developing countries where over-crowding and poor sanitation are prevalent and is a major public health problem. Aims & Objectives: Purpose of our study is to evaluate efficacy of Diazo test, blood culture and clot culture in diagnosis of Enteric fever in patients of Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital, Bhavnagar. Materials and Method: From May 2013 to July 2014, total of 125 patients suspected of having enteric fever came to Sir Takhtsinhji General Hospital, were included in the study. Urine & blood sample of patients were collected aseptically before administration of antibiotics to be used for blood culture, clot culture and Diazo test. Results: Out of 125 suspected enteric fever patients, 89 (71.20%) patients were positive for Diazo test. As far as blood culture was concerned total 23 (18.40%) cases were reported positive out of 125 patients. In case of clot culture, 33 (26.40%) samples were shown growth suggestive of S. typhi. Conclusion: In our study, Diazo test had more sensitivity than blood culture and clot culture but less specificity. So for the quick diagnosis of enteric fever cases, as a bedside screening method, it can be used as an adjuvant testing method to conventional blood culture and clot culture method for diagnosis of enteric fever.