Recently there has been a public panic about an increase in cases of typhoid fever. Typhoid fever is caused by Salmonella typhi which is common and constitutes a major public health problem in developing countries including sub – Saharan Africa, South America and parts of Asia. Its clinical features are not specific and available serologic diagnostic methods are sometimes inconclusive coupled with difficulties in bacteriological isolation of the organism due to widespread use of antibiotics and inadequate microbiological facilities. There is also a diagnostic dilemma with resultant misdiagnosis leading to delayed diagnosis with attendant higher risk of complications in some cases and inappropriate therapy in others due to over diagnosis. This communication is reviewing modalities and appropriate recommendations are made to enhance prompt and proper diagnosis so that appropriate therapy can be given.

Keywords: Typhoid fever, Overdiagnosis, Misdiagnosis.