This study was carried out in Borno and Plateau States of Nigeria to determine the baseline titre for the diagnosis of typhoid fever using a single Widal test. Of 172 patients with symptoms and signs of typhoid fever, 92.4% and 90.7% had reciprocal O and H antibody titres respectively of 160 or above. On the other hand, 95.3% and 66.3% of the 937 healthy control subjects had reciprocal O and H antibody titres respectively of 80 or less. The results of this study suggest that in Borno and Plateau States of Nigeria a reciprocal O antibody titre of 160 and above in persons with illness whose symptoms and signs are compatible with typhoid fever could be considered diagnostic using the single Widal test.

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We have studied reports of new cases at 11 State Government Hospitals in the state of Borno, over a period of 9 years from 1976 to 1984. Urinary schistosomiasis was the second most common communicable disease, while intestinal schistosomiasis ranked sixth. The rise in prevalence of schistosomiasis since 1979 probably reflects increased public awareness of the beneficial role of hospitals. The decline in the number of cases seeking treatment in 1982 and 1983 may be due to the decline in rainfall and thus of agricultural and fishing activities involving contaminated irrigation ponds.

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