Contribution of the Widal-Felix serodiagnostic in the diagnosis of salmonellosis at University Teaching hospital of Fann (Dakar)

Original Article

Abstract

Introduction - Salmonellosis is rare in developed countries, but relatively common in developing countries, with over 21 million cases per year, including 1-4% of deaths from complications. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the contribution of Widal et Félix serodiagnosis to the diagnosis of salmonellosis at CHNU de Fann.

Material and methods. This is a retrospective descriptive study based on registry exploitation. It spans a 5-year period from January 2013 to December 2017. All patients who underwent Widal and Felix serodiagnosis during the study period were included. Data were collected and processed using Epi Info software version 3.5.4.

Results. 48 positive Widal and Felix serodiagnostics out of a total of 4055 tests, representing a positivity rate of 1.2%. The mean age of patients was 20 years, with extremes of 1 and 97 years. The majority of patients were male, with a sex ratio of 0.97. The majority of patients came from the Albert Royer Children's Hospital, with 38% of serodiagnosis requests from Widal and Félix. CHNU Fann departments accounted for only 13% of requests, 9% of which came from the emergency department (SAU).

Five Salmonella serotypes were identified: Salmonella typhi (40%), Salmonella enteritidis (23%), Salmonella Paratyphi A (13%), Salmonella Paratyphi B (13%) and Salmonella Paratyphi C (10%).

Conclusion: Widal et Félix serodiagnosis enables us to distinguish between Eberth bacillus and other salmonella infections whenever blood and stool cultures are negative. Combined with coproculture and/or blood culture, depending on the course of the disease, it ensures better management of these conditions.