Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Assay Research Articles

Evaluation of Serological Tests for the Diagnosis of Syphilis.

Background Syphilis remains a significant public health concern in India. Ensuring the accuracy of diagnostic tests is crucial for effectively managing this disease. Objectives This study aims to assess the detectability of syphilis using commercially available non-treponemal and treponemal tests due to observed discrepancies in test results, which can lead to confusion and anxiety among healthcare providers and patients. Materials and methods We analyzed 2312 serum samples using the rapid plasma reagin (RPR), Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and modified TPHA rapid test, interpreting the results according to the manufacturers' instructions. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of all four tests. Concordance between the traditional and reverse algorithms was determined by calculating the percentage of agreement and the kappa (κ) coefficient. Results Of the 2312 samples tested, 34 (1.5%) were positive, and 2098 (90.7%) were negative across all four tests. Comparing the test results with clinical diagnosis, TPHA and TP-ELISA showed the highest sensitivity at 96.08%, while RPR demonstrated the highest specificity at 100%. The agreement between the traditional and reverse algorithms was moderate, with a 97.3% agreement and a κ value of 0.53. Conclusion Reliance on a single serological test for syphilis screening presents limitations. A combined approach using both RPR and TPHA tests can more accurately diagnose and confirm syphilis. This combination strategy is cost-effective and relatively simple to implement.

Üçüncü Basamak Bir Hastanenin Transfüzyon Merkezine Başvuran Donörlerde Sifiliz Tarama Sonuçlarının Değerlendirilmesi

Amaç: Kan bankacılığında Treponema pallidum'un neden olduğu sifiliz tanısı halk sağlığı açısından önemlidir. Donörler arasındaki olası vakaların yakalanması ve böylece donör kaybının en aza indirilmesi için en uygun algoritmanın benimsenmesi gerekmektedir. 2003 yılında Dünya Sağlık Örgütü ve 2010 yılında Avrupa Hastalık Önleme ve Kontrol Merkezi, sifiliz taramalarına Treponemal testlerle başlanmasını tavsiye etti. Bu çalışmada, kan bağışçısı adaylarında sifiliz taramasında reaktif Enzime Bağlı İmmünosorbent Test (ELISA) sonuçları ile yapılan doğrulayıcı testlerin sonuçlarının araştırılması amaçlandı.
 Gereç ve Yöntemler: Retrospektif olarak yapılan bu çalışmada, 2014-2021 yılları arasında Ankara Gülhane Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesinin kan bankasına kan bağışçısı olarak başvuran 69.127 bağışçı incelendi. Sifiliz tarama testinde reaktif çıkan donör adaylarından alınan örnekler, doğrulama testleri için Türkiye Halk Sağlığı Kurumu Mikrobiyoloji Referans Laboratuvarı'na gönderildi. Doğrulama testleri olarak Floresan Treponemal Antikor Emilimi (FTA-ABS) veya Treponema Pallidum Hemaglütinasyon Testi (TPHA) testleri kullanıldı.
 Bulgular: 128 donörde (%0,18) tekrar tekrar reaktif test sonuçları elde edildi. Doğrulayıcı bir test olarak 32 donöre TPHA uygulandı ve 11 pozitif sonuç (%34,3) elde edildi (Yanlış pozitiflik oranı = %65,7). FTA-ABS, doğrulama testi olarak 96 donörde yapıldı ve 59'unun (%61,4) testi pozitif çıktı (Yanlış pozitiflik oranı = %38,6). ELISA sinyal-kesme oranı beşin üzerinde olan 48 donörden 42'sinde FTA-ABS testi yapıldı ve 41 pozitif ve bir negatif sonuç elde edildi.
 Sonuçlar: Kan transfüzyonu ile ilişkili Treponema pallidum bulaşması önemli bir istenmeyen olay olduğundan, kan donörlerinin taranması için en uygun testlerin kullanılması gerekmektedir. Bu çalışma, FTA-ABS'nin ELISA-reaktif donörler için doğrulayıcı bir test olarak kullanılmasının, sifiliz tespit doğrulanmasını arttırdığını göstermektedir.

Unilateral Syphilitic Optic Neuritis without Uveitis

This report describes a case of case of unilateral syphilitic optic neuritis without uveitis. A 56-year-old man presented with complaints of four days history of decreasing vision in his left eye. At the initial visit, the patient’s best corrected visual acuity was 1.2 and 0.03 in the right and left eye, respectively. A relative afferent pupillary defect was observed in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed no cells, flare or keratic precipitates in the anterior segment either eye. Fundoscopy revealed diffuse optic disc swelling with peripapillary hemorrhage in the left eye. Goldmann visual field testing identified central absolute scotoma and an enlarged blind spot in the left eye. On serological evaluation for syphilis, serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) were positive (RPR 52.5, TPHA 740.0). In addition, IgM fluorescent Treponemal antibody absorbance (FTA-ABS) was positive. In contrast, cerebrospinal fluid showed negative RPR and positive TPHA (TPHA 11.8). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis and increased protein content and glucose. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a swollen enhanced lesion in the left optic nerve. The patient was diagnosed with syphilitic optic neuritis and received the currently recommended treatment with intravenous penicillin G (PCG). Twenty-four million units per day of PCG were administered for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of therapy, his left visual acuity improved to 0.3 in 2 months. However, the optic disc looked diffusely pale in the left eye. At 6-month visit, the patient was clinically stable. RPR turned out negative and there was a reduction in serological TPHA reactivity. We consider that it is essential to perform serological tests for syphilis in every patient with optic neuritis, which makes it possible to initially treat syphilitic optic neuritis with PCG.

Evaluation of the SD Bioline Syphilis 3.0 rapid immunochromatographic test for syphilis screening in Burkina Faso

Syphilis remains a global health problem. In Burkina Faso, cases of syphilis are still prevalent despite concerted effort in the fight against sexually transmitted infections. The availability of Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay in the diagnosis of syphilis has not eliminated the challenges encountered in the diagnosis of syphilis in Burkina Faso, hence the difficulty in case management. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of SD Bioline syphilis 3.0 test against the combination of venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) a reference test used routinely in Burkina Faso. A total of 633 serum samples collected from suspected syphilis infected participants were tested for syphilis using the combination of VDRL, TPHA and SD Bioline syphilis 3.0, a rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT). The sensitivity and specificity of SD Bioline syphilis 3.0 test were 100% and 92%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 85.95% and 100%, respectively, compared to the classical TPHA test used for screening/diagnosis of syphilis. The SD Bioline Syphilis 3.0 test gave good diagnostic accuracy compared to the VDRL and TPHA tests (p<0.001). SD Bioline syphilis ICT test could be used in health facilities for screening and diagnosis of syphilis in Burkina Faso.

Evaluation of chemiluminescence immunoassay as a screening test for syphilis on blood donor samples

Background and objectiveGlobal re-emergence of syphilis among blood donors necessitates novel diagnostic and prevention approaches that encourage timely intervention. Thus, the present study was planned to evaluate the efficiency of Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) as a screening test for syphilis. Material and methodsThis prospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted from October 2021 to September 2022. A total of 344 donors were enrolled by purposive sampling method, including additional 16 donors who were reactive by the Rapid plasma reagin test (RPR) during the study period. Data from three screening tests - RPR test, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) and CLIA for 360 blood donors were analysed. TPHA was considered the gold standard test. ResultsOf the total 360 samples tested, 21 (5.8 %) were reactive by the RPR test. Of these 21 RPR reactive samples, 19 (90.5 %) were reactive by both TPHA and CLIA, while 2 (9.5 %) RPR reactive samples were non-reactive by both TPHA and CLIA. Of the remaining 339 RPR non-reactive samples, 1 (0.3 %) sample was reactive by both TPHA and CLIA, and 1 (0.3 %) was reactive by CLIA alone. CLIA was found to have sensitivity and specificity of 100 % and 99.7 % and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of 95.2 % and 100 % respectively, while it was 95 %, 99.4 %, 90 %, and 99.7 %, respectively, with the RPR test. ConclusionCLIA was found to have a higher sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV than the RPR test. Thus, CLIA can be an acceptable alternative for syphilis screening in blood donors.

Secondary Syphilis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Co-infection in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) with Triple Doses Benzathine Penicillin G Treatment: A Case Report

Background: World Health Organization (WHO) reported that there are 6 million new cases of syphilis worldwide per year. The incidence of syphilis in Indonesia has increased over the past few years, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Purpose: To report a case of secondary syphilis with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection in MSM, thereby increasing understanding of high-risk sexual behavior among MSM. Case: A 26-year-old man with a chief complaint of rashes on both palms, soles of the feet, and face. The rashes spread with no itching, heat, or pain, which occurred two weeks ago. The patient was diagnosed with HIV in 2019. Physical examination found multiple violaceus macules with clear boundaries, 0.5–1 cm in size, covered with scales. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) serology titer was 1:16 and Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination Assay (TPHA) was 1:20.480. The recent CD4 count was 440 with an undetectable HIV RNA viral load. Benzathine penicillin G 2.4 million units was given intramuscularly 3 times at 1-week intervals. The patient experienced clinical improvement and decreased VDRL and TPHA titers. Discussion: Syphilis patients with or without HIV would have similar clinical symptoms. However, syphilis patients with HIV tend to have more extensive lesions. The treatment option with three doses of benzathine penicillin G is still very effective in cases of syphilis with HIV. Conclusion: Syphilis has a higher incidence in MSM patients with extensive clinical manifestations of skin lesions. It can be observed in syphilis patients with HIV; therefore, close monitoring is needed.

MRI of neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal lobe lesions of "knife-cut sign” on MRI: A case report and literature review

Neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal lobe lesions remains a difficult entity to diagnose, especially when it mimics herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). Here, we report what appeared to be the first case of mesiotemporal imaging of neurosyphilis presenting as a “knife-cut” sign and mimicking HSE pathological hallmarks on imaging. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes in neurosyphilis and HSE were indistinguishable in the initial diagnosis because of the common involvement of the mesiotemporal lobe. Neurosyphilis was diagnostically confirmed by positive readings in the treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and cerebrospinal fluid-polymerase chain reaction (CSF-PCR) tests for Treponema pallidum infection. Neurosyphilis and HSE had similar clinical features and signs on MRI, except the knife-cut sign which is a common diagnosis in HSE. Therefore, neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal changes and knife-cut signs on MRI should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis in all patients, as similar changes may also occur in HSE patients. The literature review of published articles between 1997 and 2020 was conducted to further validate our clinical observations and discuss diagnostic and treatment options for neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal lobe lesions.

Diagnostic performance of two rapid tests for syphilis screening in people living with HIV in Cali, Colombia.

There is insufficient evidence supporting the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for syphilis in people living with HIV (PLWH). We evaluated the diagnostic performance of two commercially available RDTs (Bioline and Determine) in PLWH in Cali, Colombia. A cross-sectional field validation study on consecutive adults with confirmed HIV diagnosis attending three outpatient clinics. Both RDTs were performed on capillary blood (CB), obtained by finger prick, and sera, by venipuncture. A combination of treponemal enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) on serum samples was the reference standard. Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and clinical criteria were added to define active syphilis. Sensitivity and specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios (LR) of RDTs were estimated with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Stratified analyses by sample type, patient characteristics, non-treponemal titers, operator and re-training were performed. 244 PLWH were enrolled, of whom 112 (46%) had positive treponemal reference tests and 26/234 (11.1%) had active syphilis. The sensitivities of Bioline on CB and sera were similar (96.4% vs 94.6%, p = 0.6). In contrast, Determine had a lower sensitivity on CB than sera (87.5% vs 99.1%, p<0.001). Sensitivities were lower in PLWH not receiving ART (Bioline 87.1% and Determine 64.5%, p<0.001) and for one of the operators (Bioline 85% and Determine 60%, p<0.001). Specificities of the RDTs were > 95% in most analyses. Predictive values were 90% or higher. For active syphilis, the RDTs showed a similar performance pattern but with decreased specificities. The studied RDTs have an excellent performance in PLWH to screen for syphilis and potentially for active syphilis, yet Determine performs better on sera than CB. Patient characteristics and potential difficulties operators may face in acquiring enough blood volume from finger pricks should be considered for the implementation and the interpretation of RDTs.

SYPHILIS-IS IT REALLY OVER!! RESURGENCE OF THE GREAT IMITATOR–SYPHILIS

sexual orientation and behavioural practices. This rising trend has been noted in United States of America, United Kingdom and India. Aims And Objectives: This study was done to observe the age, sex distribution, clinical presentation and serological ndings of syphilis in patients attending the OPD. Materials And Methods: A prospective detailed analysis of all the patients who had syphilis was done from May 2021 to July 2022. Age, occupation, marital status, sexual behavior and the complaints with which they present to OPD was collected. Information regarding the venereal disease research laboratory test (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) was noted. Results: Among the patients who attended the OPD between May 2021 to July 2022, 35 were found to have syphilis. Among them 17 had primary syphilis. Most of them belong the age group of 21-30 constituting 45.7%. Male constituted 71.4%. Most common occupation group affected in our study was farmer(28.5%). Homosexual behaviour was seen in 17.14% and heterosexual behaviour was seen 51.4%. The most common clinical feature seen in our study was papule which was seen in about 44% of males and among females it was maculopapular rash. With reference to anatomical site palms and soles were most commonly involved. Moth eaten alopecia was seen in 2 cases. HIV infection was noted in 8 people. Conclusion: Our study shows that the syphilis prevalence is more in males compared to women. Due to the change in sexual orientation and behavioural practices there is rise of syphilis in both homosexuals and heterosexuals. Farmers were the most common group affected and this shows the need for proper sexual education among the people living in the rural areas. The most common age group affected was the most sexually active group indicating the need for eliminating the stigma related to sexual education and counseling the young adults regarding the same

Treponema pallidum infection rate in patients attending the general hospital of Benguela, Angola

The objectives of this study were to estimate the rate of infection by Treponema pallidum and co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in individuals attending the General Hospital of Benguela (GHB), Angola, to verify the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test performance for its diagnosis when compared with other RPR tests, and to compare a rapid treponemal test with the Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). This is a cross-sectional study carried out between August 2016 and January 2017, at the GHB, 546 individuals attending the emergency room, the outpatient service or hospitalized at the GHB were included. All the samples were tested at the GHB with the routine hospital RPR test and a rapid treponemal test. The samples were then transported to the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT) where RPR testing and TPHA testing were performed. The rate of T. pallidum active infection, demonstrated by a reactive RPR and TPHA result, was 2.9%, of which 81.2% corresponded to indeterminate latent syphilis and 18.8% to secondary syphilis. HIV co-infection was detected in 62.5% of individuals diagnosed with syphilis. Past infection, defined as a non-reactive RPR and reactive TPHA test, was diagnosed in 4.1% of individuals. The high rate of syphilis/HIV co-infection emphasizes the urgent requirement for adequate sexually transmitted infections (STIs) screening, prevention and treatment programs. In addition, implementation of quality control measures within RPR testing protocols at GHB are needed, including training for laboratory personnel, adequate equipment and introduction of other rapid testing.

Transfusion Transmission of Syphilis and HIV from Earlobe Piercing in Tattoo Clinic – A Case Study from the Coal Capital of India

The practices of body piercing and tattoos have gained popularity, but, they also pose a risk of transmitting diseases. This article details a case of a young male individual who acquired HIV subsequent to undergoing earlobe piercing at a nearby tattoo parlour. A 28-year-old male, who was in good condition overall, received a diagnosis of HIV following testing positive for treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) after frontal palmar rashes. The diagnosis of syphilis and HIV was incongruous with his stated behaviour, and the stated reasons were not acknowledged by the counsellors. The patient was notified about our research emphasis in the Department of Community Medicine and requested our aid in identifying the underlying reason for his HIV and TPHA positive. The patient and his parents had a thorough history assessment, which eliminated all recognised potential modes of HIV transmission. After ruling out all other possible means of transmission, it was determined that the patient’s HIV and TPHA positivity may be attributed to the use of a tattoo gun for earlobe piercing to insert diamond studs at a local tattoo parlour. The widespread establishment of tattoo parlours throughout the nation presents a potential hazard to adolescents, who may acquire HIV without participating in activities associated with the high risk of transmission. Tattoo parlours must provide education to their clients, adhere to strict hygienic and sterile protocols and undergo government inspections to verify compliance with hygiene and sterilisation regulations.

Clinical and preclinical characteristics of neonates with congenital syphilis in the national center of vietnam National Children’s hospital

This prospective observational study was conducted to investigate epidemiological and clinical features of neonates with congenital syphilis at the Neonatal Center of Vietnam National Children’s Hospital from January 2018 to June 2021. Twenty-nine patients were diagnosed with congenital syphilis by Treponema Pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) reaction. The most common manifestations of congenital syphilis were desquamation (41.4%), hepatomegaly (31.4%), splenomegaly (37.9%), and early jaundice (24.1%). Thrombocytopenia, anemia, elevated liver enzymes, and conjugated hyperbilirubinemia were common laboratory findings of congenital syphilis. The mortality rate of congenital syphilis was 13.7%. Parental syphilis status of 51.9% of neonates born with congenital syphilis was unknown. Thus, a systematic launch of a screening program for syphilis for all pregnant women is critical.

Comparison of 17 serological treponemal and nontreponemal assays for syphilis: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesRapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum (TP) antibody test kits are often used to diagnose syphilis, although the relationship between their measured values is unclear. We aimed to reveal the relevance of these kits’ results. Design and methodsIn all, 143 sera from 110 patients were tested using 12 TP kits and 5 RPR kits and the results compared. ResultsThe specificity and sensitivity of RPR kits were 81–96% and 95–100%, respectively. The correlation coefficients (0.849–0.934) considerably differed between the manual RPR card test and latex agglutination (LA) assay kits. The following sensitivities were obtained: 82–91% for TP fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption assay (FTA-ABS), TP hemagglutination assay (HA), and TP particle agglutination assay (PA); 94–95% for TP LAs; and 92–100% for chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA), and immunochromatography assay (IC). Correlation coefficients between TP kits were 0.753–0.974, and the measured values varied. Changes in RPR and quantifiable TP kits were the same for patients with reinfected syphilis and with syphilis under treatment. ConclusionsRPR tests had lower specificity than TP antibody tests. RPR card test and RPR LAs had similar specificity and sensitivity, but their measured values were different. RPR should be measured using automatic RPR LA without setting the upper limit of the reported value. RPR LA should also be standardized. The sensitivity of TP antibody was better in CLIA, CLEIA, and IC than in FTA-ABS, HA, PA, and LA. Therefore, TP antibody kits should be standardized and quantified.

Comparison of syphilis testing by reverse algorithm and conventional method among blood donors in a tertiary care center

Traditional testing algorithm for syphilis begins with screening non-treponemal test followed by confirmatory treponemal test. Reverse algorithm first screens with a treponemal test; reactive samples are then tested by Rapid plasma reagin test (RPR) which is used to assess disease activity. Discordant syphilis IgG and RPR results are resolved by a second treponemal test, Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) as recommended by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention laboratories. To evaluate the analytical performance of reverse algorithms in syphilis infection among donors in comparison with traditional methods and the prevalence of syphilis among blood donor populations.This was a cross sectional study done in the department of transfusion medicine from January 2019 to February 2020 which comprised of 8635 blood donors. After donation all the blood samples were screened for syphilis using chemiluminescent immunoassay (Vitros syphilis TPA assay) in Vitros 3600 EQ/ECIQ immunodiagnostic system and RPR (omega RPR test kit) irrespective of each other’s result. Whenever chemiluminescence immunoassay or RPR turns positive, the samples were sent for TPHA (Immutrep TPHA test kit) keeping it as the gold standard method.Among 8635 samples tested, seroreactivity of CLIA (Vitros syphilis TPA assay) was 0.25 % whereas for traditional algorithm 0.13%. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of reverse algorithm in comparison with traditional was 100 %, 70.6%, 78.3% and 36.4% ,75% and 65.1% respectively. In comparison with TPHA, Vitros TPA assay in reverse algorithm showed moderate agreement (k=0.56, p=0) which was statistically significant whereas RPR showed slight agreement (k=0.11, p=0.47). Negative predictive value of CLIA was 100% (p=0) which was statistically significant. Positive predictive value of reverse algorithm was 54.5% and 33.3% for traditional algorithm (p=0.04).

Evaluation of the Diagnostic Algorithms for Serodiagnosis of Syphilis.

We analyzed the performance parameters of the traditional and reverse algorithms to determine which is more convenient for serodiagnosis of syphilis. In total, 4,789 serum samples were obtained from a cross-sectional study. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) tests were performed on each serum sample. In case of discordance between results, TPHA was applied as a second treponemal test. Overall, 207 patients were serodiagnosed with syphilis. Among the 4,789 samples tested, 125 (2.6%) and 206 (4.3%) were positive using the traditional and reverse algorithms, respectively. The missed diagnosis rate of the traditional algorithm was 42.5%. The reverse algorithm had a higher sensitivity than that of the traditional algorithm. The sensitivity levels of the traditional and reverse algorithms were 57.49% and 99.85% respectively. The false positivity rate of the reverse algorithm was 0.02%.

Congenital syphilis present with pemphigus syphilitics and atelectatic congenital pneumonia: a case report

Background: Congenital syphilis is an infectious disease of newborns caused by Treponema pallidum, a spirochete bacterium, from vertical transmission from infected mother to fetus. Diagnosis of congenital syphilis can be difficult because two-thirds of affected infants are asymptomatic at birth, and the signs of symptomatic infants are diverse. Familiarity with the various presentations is essential to early diagnosis and treatment.Case Description: A male preterm, 35 weeks gestation baby, born by vaginal delivery from G1P0 mother with syphilis latent phase, with Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA) titer reactive (1:2560) with no treatment during the antenatal period. The baby was born with low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, hepatosplenomegaly, and skin rash. Diffuse desquamation and fissures also multiple eroded pale blisters are known as pemphigus syphilitics. TPHA was also reactive at the same level as the mother. Complete blood count showed severe respiratory acidosis (pH: 6,8), leucocytosis (46.420/uL), thrombocytosis (414.000/uL), lymphocytosis (40,3%), and monocytosis (16%). Radiology showed severe atelectatic left lung and course nodular congenital pneumonia of the right lung. The baby was intubated and injected with penicillin procaine 50.000 IU/kg/day intramuscularly in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, due to severe atelectatic lung and acidosis, this case resulted in a fatal outcome.Conclusion: Broad desquamation, multiple fissures, and eroded pale blisters (vesiculobullous lesions) known as pemphigus syphilitics should alert clinicians as an early manifestation of congenital syphilis. Other manifestations include congenital pneumonia, typically atelectatic or nodular type, and hepatosplenomegaly. Treatment should be started promptly to decrease its morbidity and mortality.

Unusual clinical manifestation and challenging serological interpretation of syphilis: insights from a case report

BackgroundThe clinical manifestations of recent syphilis can be variable, with typical and atypical patterns. Several conditions may cause atypical clinical aspects, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection. Besides the clinical features, co-infections may completely alter syphilis serological tests, causing interpretative difficulties and diagnostic delays. Aim of the work is to describe the difficulties encountered during the diagnostic evaluation of atypical skin manifestations and of the serology for syphilis of an HIV-infected patient who had contracted it several times.Case presentationIn 2020, a 52-year old HIV-positive bisexual male patient was admitted to our department with a 4-month history of moderately itchy cutaneous lesions localized at his neck, trunk and arms. In 2013, the patient presented with a classic syphilitic roseola of the trunk and a secondary syphilis was diagnosed, with increased levels of rapid plasma reagin (RPR), Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), anti-Treponema pallidum IgM and IgG Index. A second episode occurred in 2018, as a primary syphilis with multiple ulcerative lesions of the penis, and increased levels of RPR, IgG and IgM. In 2019, a further episode of secondary syphilis was treated with Doxycycline. In 2020, erythematous and papular lesions with vesicular components and urticarial erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions were present at the neck, trunk and arms. Serological tests and Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) for Treponema Pallidum were performed, as well as a cutaneous biopsy with histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of one lesion. NAAT was negative for T. pallidum. Serological test results were discordant with a new syphilis infection, showing only increased levels of RPR and anti-Treponema IgG. The cutaneous biopsy revealed a non specific histological pattern, while the immunohistochemical evaluation with anti-spirochetal antibodies was mandatory for the diagnosis of recent syphilis, showing clusters of rod-shaped elements, some of which with spiral form, focally present at the epidermis and adnexal structures.ConclusionsNowadays, syphilis may present with atypical clinical and serological features. Physicians should be aware of these possible alterations and consider syphilis even in case of uncommon clinical aspect and unclear serological tests. Cutaneous biopsy and immunohistochemical exam may be mandatory for the diagnosis.

A cross-sectional descriptive study of clinical and serological prevalence of syphilis infection in people living with HIV and its effect on CD4+ T cells.

Context:The natural history of syphilis could be altered in the presence of HIV. It has been documented that syphilis infection increases the risk of HIV transmission by at least 3-fold.Aims:The aim of the study was (1) to study clinical presentation of syphilis in HIV individuals, (2) to estimate seroprevalence of syphilis in HIV individuals, and (3) to study the effect of syphilis infection on CD4+ T cells.Subjects and Methods:HIV-positive patients attending sexually transmitted infection clinic for a period of 1 year from June 2017 to May 2018 in the age group of 15–70 years were included in the study. A detailed history was taken; genital and dermatological examination was done. All patients were tested with VDRL and treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables and Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables.Results:Out of ninety study population, nine (10%) had clinical manifestations of syphilis. VDRL was positive with significant titers in all cases of syphilis. TPHA was positive in 88.9% of cases with clinical syphilis and 17.3% of cases without clinical manifestations of syphilis. Mean CD4 count was low among patients having syphilis infection compared to study population.Conclusion:This study shows high prevalence of syphilis in HIV and highlights the importance of preventing and promptly treating syphilis in people living with HIV, as the active infection is associated with fall in CD4 count, which leads to opportunistic infections.

Prevalence of syphilis reactivity in patients with stroke, cognitive impairment and extrapyramidal syndromes: a retrospective study.

In the last two decades, there has been a resurgence of syphilis worldwide. However, epidemiological data on neurosyphilis are inconsistent for the lack of reporting data and diagnostic gold standard tests. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of syphilis reactivity in a cohort of patients with neurological diseases of our hospital. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of the patients hospitalized at the Stroke Unit of the Neurology Clinic and those suffering from cognitive impairment hospitalized at the acute ward of the Geriatrics Clinic between January 2017 and December 2019. Also the patients who attended the Movement disorder outpatient clinic during the same study period were examined. To detect syphilis reactivity a qualitative specific treponemal test on patient’s serum was performed: the Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA). A total of 652 patients were admitted and 315 of them (52%) were submitted to a routine screening for syphilis: 307 (97%) were negative while 8 (3%) had a positive syphilis serology. The TPHA-positive patients (4 males, 4 females) were 2 patients with stroke, 5 with cognitive impairment and 1 with Parkinsonism with a mean age of 83 years, suffering from multiple comorbidities. Although the patients we have retrospectively studied have not undergone lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis of neurosyphilis, the not negligible syphilis reactivity rate found in our series suggests that serological screening for syphilis should be reviewed as a routine screening test in neurology and geriatrics departments, especially if the clinical presentation of the neurological diseases is atypical.

Prevalence of syphilis, neurosyphilis and associated factors in a cross-sectional analysis of HIV infected patients attending Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania

BackgroundHIV-syphilis co-infection can enhance the rapid progression of early or late latent syphilis to neurosyphilis and can cause catastrophic neurological complications. In studies in Mwanza, syphilis affects ~ 8% of healthy outpatients and studies done in the 1990s have suggested that up to 23.5% of HIV-syphilis co-infected patients also have neurosyphilis.MethodologyThis was a cross sectional study in which adult HIV infected patients who were hospitalized or attending the outpatient Care and Treatment Clinic (CTC) were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and screened for syphilis using serum Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay (TPHA). Blood was also taken for CD4+ T cells and viral load. Those who were found to have syphilis underwent neurological examination for any neurologic deficit and were offered a lumbar puncture.ResultsThe prevalence of syphilis in HIV infected patients was found to be 9.6%. The majority of patients were female (72.5%) and median age was 42 years [interquartile range, 32–50]. Most patients were on ART (99.4%). In the study population of 1748 participants, 9.6% were TPHA positive; the majority (89.2%) reported not knowing their syphilis status and not previously been treated. One hundred and forty-one participants with syphilis had neurological examinations performed. Four of these had abnormal findings that necessitated a lumbar puncture. Neurosyphilis was confirmed in one patient (0.7%).ConclusionThe high prevalence of syphilis in HIV infected patients indicates that there is a need to increase efforts in targeting this population to reduce sexually transmitted infections. Screening for syphilis should be done for all HIV patients given the high prevalence of the infection and the risk that aggressive forms of neurosyphilis can occur despite recovery of CD4+ T cell counts in untreated syphilis.