 "The mainstay of syphilis diagnosis is
still serological testing.
- In common use is the rapid plasma
reagent card (RPR).
- Positive and negative reactions are
illustrated.
 A positive
reaction needs further evaluation by the
fluorescent treponema antibody (FTA) test,
because the RPR is non-specific, and false
positives are common.- In a large sexually transmitted disease
clinic, initial diagnosis of primary syphilis can
be made by darkfield microscopy of fluid from the
edge of a chancre, which is usually teeming with
spirochetes.
- However, this test must be
read rapidly (within seconds or minutes),
because the spirochetes quickly dry and
become immobile, making diagnosis
difficult. Hence, this test is usually
restricted to STD clinics or state health
departments where large number of tests
are performed. "
- Ó
1999- KUMC Pathology and the University of
Kansas, used with permission; courtesy of Dr.
James Fishback, Department of Pathology,
University of Kansas Medical Center.
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