False-Positive Reactions Among Narcotic Addicts

Abstract

To the Editor:— I have noted the article inThe Journal, Jan. 28, 1961, entitled Biologic False-Positive Reactions for Syphilis Among Narcotic Addicts, in which the following sentence appears: The high proportion of non-reactive TPI tests among narcotic addicts with no history of syphilis and reactive STS provides direct evidence that certain drugs may induce BFP reactions. Unless other possible causes were thoroughly investigated, I wonder whether the conclusion that drugs have been demonstrated to cause biologic false-positive (BFP) reactions is justified. I should think the wording might be changed somewhat as follows: The high proportion of non-reactive TPI tests among narcotic addicts with no history of syphilis and reactive serologic test for syphilis ( STS ) is perhaps explained by the fact that addicts are subject to a number of conditions which are known to cause BFP reactions: viral hepatitis, malaria, and others. It may also be hypothesized that the chronic