Comparative evaluation of serological tests in the diagnosis of Syphilis

Background: Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in syphilis show wide variation. The use of only one type of serological test is insufficient for diagnosis. Objective: The aim of the study was to review serologic data to determine diagnostic performance of three different methods of syphilis patients from MGM Hospital, Warangal in urban and rural areas during period of 2012-2013. Materials & Methods: In total, 144 RPR reactive samples were collected, with 1 in 4 or more titre of antibody by using RPR, TRUST and TPHA assays Results: 144 test sera were collected from 3 sources namely ICTC, STD and Antenatal OP. 70 sera (48.6%) were taken from ICTC, 62 (43.5%) from STD and 12 (8.3%) from antenatal OP. Table compares the sensitivity and titres of antibody in RPR, TPHA and TRUST. Maximum number of samples (68) are reactive at 1:8 dilutions by RPR, 320 dilutions in TPHA and 64 dilutions in TRUST. The reactivity of all the samples by TPHA is 80 and above, and by TRUST, 32 and above. Conclusion: Based on our results we think that specific Treponemal tests could contribute to reducing the errors that depend on specificity of the method used. Considering the methodology, rapid results and high sensitivity of RPR tests makes it a good choice as screening test in microbiology laboratories.