Seridiagnosis of Syphilis.
- Author:
Sung Ho CHO
;
Soo Nam KIM
- Publication Type:Original Article
- MeSH:
Diagnosis;
Flocculation Tests;
Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test;
Humans;
Korea;
Mass Screening;
Outpatients;
Syphilis*
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
1981;19(1):87-92
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The most frequently used serodiagnostic test for syphilis in Korea is VDRL test, which is one of several flocculation tests utilizing cardiolipin-lecithin as antigen. This test remains popular because it is easily performed, inexpensive, is standard for screening purposes, and is useful for following the serologic response to treatment. A common problem is weakly reactive (or 'rough' result) VDRL test or reactive VDRL in the absence of definite evidence of present or past syphilis; the diagnosis of syphilis in these cases should be confirmed by using the specific treponemal antigen tests. The Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption (FTA-ARS) test is the result of continued attempts to improve the original FTA procedures. This test uses virulent T. pallidum (Nichols strain) as antigen and uses fluorescein-tagged antihuman globulin as reaction indicator. The FTA-ABS test is very sensitive in all stage of syphilis, especially in early syphilis. The FTA-ABS test was carried out on 448 persons with reactive and weakly reactive VDRL tests and divided the groups of routine physical check and out patients. (countinued..)
