Comparative Performance of the Reverse Algorithm Using Architect Syphilis TP Versus the Traditional Algorithm Using Rapid Plasma Reagin in Florida's Public Health Testing Population
10.3343/alm.2019.39.4.396
- Author:
Yolanda R TOTTEN
1
;
Bonnie M HARDY
;
Berry BENNETT
;
Marie Claire ROWLINSON
;
Susanne CROWE
Author Information
1. Bureau of Public Health Laboratories, Florida Department of Health, Jacksonville, FL, USA. Berry.Bennett@FLHealth.gov
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- Keywords:
Syphilis;
Traditional algorithm;
Reverse algorithm;
Detection;
Architect Syphilis TP;
Rapid plasma reagin;
Florida
- MeSH:
Florida;
Immunoassay;
Plasma;
Public Health;
Syphilis
- From:Annals of Laboratory Medicine
2019;39(4):396-399
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In Florida, where syphilis is a reportable disease, the number of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases has increased from 3,266 in 2008–2010 to 5,340 in 2013–2015, a 63% increase. The objective of this study was to compare the performance and sensitivity of the syphilis reverse algorithm with the traditional algorithm for detecting P&S (infectious) syphilis cases. Clinical specimens from individuals who self-referred for syphilis testing at public health clinics were processed using the traditional algorithm (non-treponemal rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test followed by a confirmatory treponemal (EIA) test) and then further tested with the Architect Syphilis TP (ASTP) immunoassay (Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, IL, USA) or by RPR confirmation, if needed (reverse algorithm). Of 1,079 specimens, 59 were positive for syphilis. The sensitivity of the reverse algorithm was 98.3% (58/59) and of the traditional algorithm was 72.9% (43/59). Based on clinical evidence, of the 16 traditional algorithm-negative but reverse algorithm-positive cases, 68.8% (11/16) were classified as missed P&S infections (treatment naïve) and 31.2% (5/16) were classified as missed past syphilis (latent or infections with documented linkage to care). The reverse algorithm enables the detection of additional P&S syphilis cases missed by our current traditional algorithm.
