Testing for syphilis--rational use and interpretation

Abstract

Syphilis is a disease caused by a spiral organism, Treponema pallidum. Microscopy is useful in diagnosing syphilis in its primary stage while the serological tests are used for diagnosing primary secondary or latent stages of syphilis. The non specific serological tests are the non treponemal tests such as the Venereal Disease Laboratory Test (VDRL) and the Rapid Plasma Reagin Test (RPR). Both these tests are used as a screening test. The specific tests are the treponemal tests. The two common treponemal tests are fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA/ABS) and the Microhaemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum (MHA-TP). These two tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis of syphilis. The usefulness of laboratory tests in the diagnosis of syphilis depends on the selection of the appropriate standard tests.