The Widal test detects antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi bacteria, which cause typhoid fever. The test involves mixing the patient's serum with antigens (O, H, AH, BH) from the bacteria. If antibodies are present, they will cause the antigens to clump or agglutinate. A positive result indicates the patient likely has or previously had typhoid fever. The Widal test was developed by Georges Fernand Widal and is an agglutination test that helps diagnose typhoid fever.