Epidemiological Investigation of Rural Typhoid with the Aid of the Vi Agglutination Test

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Abstract
The use of a sero-logical test for the detection of typhoid carriers would eliminate the objections to the use of stool and urine specimens such as offense to the esthetic sense, questionable authenticity of the donor, the intermittency, apparent or real, of the elimination of the bacilli, etc. Agglutination by H and O antibodies cannot be used as the titres of these antibodies are affected by past infections and vaccinations. Such is not the case in Vi agglutinins which are only increased in actual cases or carriers. Simple absorption techniques will remove the H and O agglutinins and the subsequent agglutination of cultures rich in Vi antigen are considered positive above a dilution of 1:20. In a series of 100 cases confirmation was obtained in 50% of the positive Vi tests by stool and urine examination. Its use as a selective screening procedure is suggested.

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