Eurofins Biomnis code

BWIGM

Synonyms

• treponematosis
• Treponema
• FTA

Clinic significance

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. It occurs throughout the world and its incidence seems to be slightly on the increase at this time. Classically, the disease involves three different phases. The primary phase is characterized by a painless lesion called a chancre. This primary lesion spontaneously resolves and a secondary phase follows, characterized by widespread mucocutaneous lesions. After a subsequent asymptomatic, latent period which can last several years, final stage or tertiary syphilis develops; the infection has spread systemically and internal lesions can cause cardiovascular, mucocutaneous (especially affecting the gums) and neurological (general paresis and tabes dorsalis) symptoms. Active syphilis in pregnant women can result in fetal death or congenital infection. Treponema pallidum cannot be cultured and diagnosis during the primary phase depends on the direct observation of bacterial organisms in the chancre. Definitive diagnosis often depends on serological analysis which involves a range of different tests based on both treponemal antigens (TPHA, FTA and ELISA) and a mixture of cardiolipin, lecithin and cholesterol (the VDRL test). A positive result should be followed up with a quantitative antibody assay and a qualitative IgM assay (useful for monitoring active syphilis). The Nelson test is no longer commonly carried out. Serological results may be very confusing in AIDS patients and a nucleic acid-based test (PCR, usually carried out on CSF) may be more useful.

Prenalytics

• 1 mL
• Serum
• Refrigerated

Further information

Methodology

Enzyme-immunoassay

Turnaround time

8 days