The Treponemal Complement-Fixation Tests in Probable Latent Syphilis or Biologic False Positive Reactions

Abstract

The successful application of the Treponema Pallidum Immobilization Test (TPI) (1) to the serodiagnosis of syphilis and to the differentiation between true and biological false positive reactions (BFP) has stimulated an accelerated search for less costly and less complex treponemal tests. Currently, there are at least seven modified treponemal procedures under experimental study and evaluation, of which, the several complement-fixation methods appear to be the most promising as practical serodiagnostic tests for routine laboratory use. Several obvious improvements over the TPI test, in this respect, are as follows: the treponemal complement-fixation test can be learned easily and quickly by the average laboratory technician; five to ten times as many complement-fixation tests can be performed in one day; the technical problems of strict adherence to aseptic technique, chemical cleanliness, treponemal survival and maintenance of rabbit colonies are eliminated; and the cost of a complement-fixation test should be markedly less than a TPI test.