Syphilis Testing

Question 1

What is Syphilis caused by?

Answer 1

Bacteria called Treponema pallidum

Question 2

What are the types of treponemal tests?

Answer 2

Darkfield microscopy
FTA-Abs (Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test)
TPI (Treponema pallidum immobilization test)
MHA-TP (Microhemagglutination assay)

Question 3

What are the types of non-treponemal tests (reagin tests)?

Answer 3

VDRL - Veneareal disease research lab

RPR - Rapid plasma reagin test

Question 4

What is the test of choice for screening CSF for Syphilis?

Answer 4

VDRL

Question 5

In regards to sensitivity and specificity, how does RPR differ from VDRL?

Answer 5

RPR is more sensitive but less specific than VDRL

Question 6

What syphilis test is the most sensitive in all stages of infection?

Answer 6

FTA-ABS - fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test

Question 7

What three tests are the most sensitive in the primary stage of Syphilis infection?

Answer 7

FTA-ABS (most sensitive)
RPR (second)
VDRL (third)

Question 8

What Syphilis tests are most sensitive in the secondary stage of infection?

Answer 8

All tests equally sensitive

Question 9

What Syphilis tests are most sensitive in the late stage of infection?

Answer 9

FTA-ABS, MHA-TP, TPI, Reagin Tests (equal sensitivity)

Question 10

Do RPR and VDRL tests screen or diagnose Syphilis?

Answer 10

RPR and VDRL (non-treponemal/reagin tests) screens for syphilis and are NOT diagnostic.

Treponemal tests are diagnostic