SYPHILIS AB SCREENING

Syphilis is a venereal disease caused by Treponema pallidum. VDRL or RPR are nontreponemal (nonspecific) tests used as screening tests for syphilis while the Syphilis TP assay is a qualitative detection of antibody to T. pallidum in human serum or plasma (treponemal specific) . They are also used for monitoring treatment. They may show negative results in some cases of late syphilis. False positive results can occur in nonsyphilitic conditions such as malaria, leprosy, viral infections,

bacterial infections, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and others. Diagnosis of syphilis must be confirmed by Confirmatory Test for specific antibody to T. pallidum.

Use of Test: Screening test for syphilis. Non-specific cardiolipin antibody test. Can be used for monitoring treatment of syphilis. Confirmatory test for specific antibody to T. pallidum is required.

Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination (TPHA)

TPHA is a treponema (specific) test that detects antibodies to T.pallidum. Positive results confirm the diagnosis of syphilis but do not indicate whether the disease is active, inactive or cured. The titre may not fall after effective treatment except in early syphilis.

Use of Test: Confirmatory test for syphilis.