Abstract
Limited data on syphilis coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive cases exist in Turkey. Our aim is to investigate syphilis coinfection and to evaluate the compatibility of the screening Architect Syphilis Tp ELISA with the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-abs) confirmation test in HIV positive cases. Totally 519 HIV positive patients were included in the study. Enzyme linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) was used as a screening test and positive samples were confirmed by line immunassay (LIA). In order to discriminate acute HIV infection and false ELISA positivity, HIV-1 RNA PCR was performed in ELFA positive and LIA negative samples. Architect Syphilis TP ELISA was used for the detection of total antibodies against Treponema pallidum in HIV positive patients. Positive results were confirmed by the FTA-abs test. Out of 519 HIV-1 positive patients, IgG and IgM positivity, and only IgG positivity was detected as 1.9% and 11.4% in all the samples, respectively. A total of 79 (15.2%) sera were positive with Architect Syphilis Tp ELISA test and 69 (13.3%) were positive with FTA-abs test. Statistically significant, almost perfect agreement was found between Architect Syphilis Tp ELISA and FTA-abs tests (kappa = 0.921 and P < 0.001). Implementation of syphilis and HIV screening tests together among risk groups is considered to be appropriate.
Highlights
Transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem all over the world
Architect Syphilis TP ELISA was used for the detection of total antibodies against Treponema pallidum in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive patients
A total of 79 (15.2%) sera were positive with Architect Syphilis Tp ELISA test and 69 (13.3%) were positive with fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-abs) test
Summary
Transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem all over the world. Coinfections between HIV and Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, are common due to shared routes of sexual transmission and epidemiological similarities [3,5]. HIV may affect syphilis transmission, In recent years, different control programs have been carried out throughout the world to control STIs. Syphilis and HIV screening have been implemented together among risk groups in some countries [1]. Given the increased rates of syphilis in HIV infected patients, routine periodic screening (two to four times in a year, at least once) is highly recommended [7]. Syphilis coinfection in HIV infected individuals has been reported from several countries, mostly among African Americans [6]. The aim of the present study was to determine syphilis coinfection and to evaluate the compatibility of the Architect Syphilis Tp ELISA screening test with the confirmatory fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-abs) test in HIV positive cases
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
