Syphilis screening

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Sexually transmitted diseases Main Page
Syphilis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Syphilis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy Primary and Secondary Syphilis Latent Syphilis Tertiary Syphilis Neurosyphilis HIV-Infected Patients Pregnancy Management of Sexual Partners
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Syphilis screening On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Syphilis screening All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Syphilis screening
CDC on Syphilis screening
Syphilis screening in the news
Blogs on Syphilis screening
Directions to Hospitals Treating Syphilis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Syphilis screening

Overview

Syphilis screening tests, such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests are cheap and fast but not completely specific, as many other conditions can cause a positive result.

Screening

• Syphilis screening tests, such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) tests are cheap and fast but not completely specific, as many other conditions can cause a positive result.

• These tests are routinely used to screen blood donors. Notably, the spirochete that causes syphilis does not survive the conditions used to store blood and the number of transfusion transmitted cases of syphilis is minuscule, but the test is used to identify donors that might have contracted HIV from high risk sexual activity.

• The requirement to test for syphilis has been challenged due to the vast improvements in HIV testing.

• False positives on the rapid tests can be seen in viral infections (Epstein-Barr, hepatitis, varicella, measles), lymphoma, tuberculosis, malaria, endocarditis, connective tissue disease, pregnancy, intravenous drug abuse, or contamination. As a result, these two screening tests should always be followed up by a more specific treponemal test.

US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) Recommendation

“

Grade A recommendation 1. Screen all pregnant women for syphilis infection.

”

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources