Diagnostic tests for syphilis: New tests and new algorithms

AF Henao-Martínez, SC Johnson - Neurology: Clinical Practice, 2014 - AAN Enterprises
AF Henao-Martínez, SC Johnson
Neurology: Clinical Practice, 2014AAN Enterprises
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. A total of 13,106
cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported in the United States in 2011 and the
rate of infection has increased in subgroups, particularly men who have sex with men. The
disease is mainly diagnosed through clinical findings and serologic testing. However, no
single serologic test of syphilis is sufficient. Hence, the serologic diagnosis of syphilis
requires the detection of 2 types of antibodies (nontreponemal antibodies and treponemal …
Summary
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. A total of 13,106 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported in the United States in 2011 and the rate of infection has increased in subgroups, particularly men who have sex with men. The disease is mainly diagnosed through clinical findings and serologic testing. However, no single serologic test of syphilis is sufficient. Hence, the serologic diagnosis of syphilis requires the detection of 2 types of antibodies (nontreponemal antibodies and treponemal antibodies). The paradigm in syphilis testing has recently shifted in many centers to screen with a treponemal antibody test, reflexing to a nontreponemal test if the treponemal antibody test is positive. This reverse of the traditional algorithm may not be widely recognized among clinicians.
American Academy of Neurology