Abstract
AbstractObjectivesTo test the performance of the newly available rapid test for syphilis, we compared it withTreponema pallidumhemagglutination assay (TPHA). Additionally, we investigated the performance of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassays (CMIA) at our laboratory using TPHA as a gold standard.MethodsThe serum samples of 595 patients with the pre-diagnosis of syphilis were studied by four serological methods. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RPR, CMIA, and syphilis rapid test were assessed by utilizing TPHA as a gold standard for the diagnosis of syphilis.ResultsOf the patients, 6.2% (37/595) had positive RPR, 5.5% (33/595) had positive CMIA, 5.5% (33/595) had a positive rapid immunochromatographic method and 5% (30/595) had positive TPHA. When TPHA results were taken as the reference, the sensitivity of the rapid test for syphilis was 100%, the specificity was 99.5%, PPV was 90.9%, and NPV was 100.0%.ConclusionsIt was observed that the rapid test for syphilis used in the study was quite successful, its cost was appropriate, and the test was very fast and easy to apply. At the same time, the agreement between syphilis rapid test and TPHA was found to be excellent.
Highlights
Syphilis represents a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum which can be spread by sexual contact, by blood transfusion, and direct contact with lesions during primary and secondary periods [1]
To test the performance of the newly available rapid test for syphilis, we compared it with Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA)
We investigated the performance of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassays (CMIA) at our laboratory using TPHA as a gold standard
Summary
Syphilis represents a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum which can be spread by sexual contact, by blood transfusion, and direct contact with lesions during primary and secondary periods [1]. In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, about 17.7 million adults (15–49 years) around the world had syphilis in 2012, with estimated 5.6 million new cases each year [2]. The prevalence of syphilis varies widely between regions or countries, the highest prevalence rate is in Africa. It is estimated that more than 60% of cases of maternal syphilis worldwide are observed in Africa [3]. Especially in HIV-positive individuals, the incidence has been reported to have increased [1]
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