Description
What is the Weil-Felix test and purpose?
The Weil-Felix test is a nonspecific agglutination test that utilizes antigenic cross-reactivity between rickettsiae and certain non-motile Proteus serotypes for detection of anti-rickettsial antibodies (so-called Weil-Felix antibodies) in a patient’s serum.
What does Weil-Felix test positive means?
A positive tube would show visible flocculation or granulation, which is accentuated when the tube is gently agitated. The titer corresponds to the most dilute tube in the series that still shows positivity. Generally, a titer of ≥1:320 is considered diagnostic.
What is the principle of Weil-Felix test?
Principle of the test:
The Weil-Felix test is based on the principle that some non-motile strains of Proteus share common somatic antigens with certain species of Rickettsia. Sera from patients infected with Rickettsia will therefore produce agglutination with Proteus antigen suspensions.
How do you cure Weil Felix?
Weil-Felix test is considered sufficient for diagnosis in most cases but PCR is confirmatory (1,2). Most cases are treated with doxycycline (100 mg PO bid for 5 days) or cholramphenicol (500 mg qid PO for 7-10 days) or ciprofloxacin (750 mg bid PO for 5 days). Mortality from untreated typhus fever is up to 15% (3).
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