Implications of Using a Highly Sensitive Serological Test as a Screening Modality for the Diagnosis of Syphilis

摘要

Traditionally, syphilis has been diagnosed by clinical findings, supported by serological evidence of the disease. Newer treponemal tests such as Treponema pallidum-specific captia syphilis immunoglobulin G assay and the immune-capture immunoassay are more sensitive and specific than the conventional tests (rapid plasma reagin and VDRL). This raises the concern that those, facilities that have not adopted these newer tests may be underdiagnosing cases of syphilis.