Serologic Testing for Syphilis

Presentation Outline

April 2011

In this presentation, we'll first review some background information on syphilis, including the causative agent and the clinical manifestations of the disease. Second, we'll discuss the various laboratory methods that can be used to assist in the diagnosis of syphilis, with an emphasis on serologic testing. Third, I'll review the traditional algorithm for syphilis serologic testing, and discuss the advantages and limitations of that approach. I'll then discuss how changes in the incidence of syphilis over the past several decades has contributed, in part, to many clinical laboratories adopting a modified, contemporary algorithm for serologic testing. And finally, we'll review key points to consider to ensure the accurate interpretation and proper follow-up of patients with suspected syphilis infection. So let's get started.

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• Introduction
• Presentation Outline
• Syphilis — The "Great Imitator"
• Diagnosis: Laboratory Testing
• Diagnosis: Nontreponemal Serology Tests
• Diagnosis: Treponemal Serology Tests
• Diagnosis: Traditional Algorithm
• Diagnosis: Traditional Algorithm
• Syphilis — Incidence
• Syphilis — Incidence
• Diagnosis: Contemporary Algorithm
• Diagnosis: Contemporary Algorithm
• Diagnosis: Proposed Algorithm with Treponemal Screening Test
• Interpretation and Follow-up
• Interpretation and Follow-up
• Interpretation and Follow-up
• Interpretation and Follow-up
• Interpretation and Follow-up
• Conclusions
• Conclusions
• Questions?