Syphilis serology in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with symptomatic neurosyphilis: case report and review

Abstract

The clinical and serologic diagnosis of syphilis in the human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient may be difficult to make. We have recently seen a case of symptomatic neurosyphilis in such a patient presenting with positive serum and CSF syphilis serology. On the basis of this case and similar cases reported in the literature, we conclude that most, if not all, human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with symptomatic neurosyphilis will have an elevated serum and CSF syphilis serology. However, experience with additional cases will be necessary in order to validate this conclusion.