diagnosis of syphilis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Diagnostic procedures include:
- dark ground microscopy - detection of spirochaete in primary and secondary syphilis
- serology - detection of anti-treponemal antibodies with:
- non-specific antigen - cardiolipin used in the Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory (VDRL) test. This is not specific for Treponemes but is useful to assess the efficacy of treatment of proven syphilis - it will revert to negative once Treponema eliminated
- specific treponemal antigens:
- TPHA } remain positive life-long and
- FTA-ABS } specific to Treponema pallidum
- lumbar puncture may be indicated to exclude neurosyphilis