Biologic False-Positive Reactions for Syphilis

Abstract

To the Editor:— The problem posed ( 203 :996, 1968) regarding a 54-year-old housewife with a reactive fluorescent Treponemal antibody test merits an expanded discussion particularly of the possibility of a biologic false-positive (BFP) reaction. Syphilis is the great mimic, and we of the Osler tradition recall, "When it comes to syphilis, suspect your grandmother." The experienced physician, however, occasionally finds a positive reaction he is forced to classify as BFP. Garson, 1 after an excellent discussion of the tests for syphilis developed before 1959, said: "No serologic test for syphilis diagnoses syphilis; rather it informs us of the immunologic status of the patient in relation to the antibody being treated. None... is absolutely specific for syphilis alone." In Current Diagnosis (1966) Beerman 2 points out the possibility of reactivity not only in syphilis and related treponemal diseases such as "yaws, pinta, or beje," but also in various other states such