Syphilis
a landmark in the history of infectious disease.
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- Syphilis test (FTA-ABS)
The fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed (FTA-ABS) test for syphilis is a blood serum screening test designed to demonstrate the presence or absence of specific antibodies directed against the organism (Treponema pallidum) responsible for syphilis. The test detects the majority but not all cases of the disease. It is thus a way of screening for the […]
- Syphilis test, RPR
Rapid plasma reagin, a blood test for syphilis that looks for an antibody that is present in the bloodstream when a patient has syphilis. A negative (nonreactive) RPR is compatible with a person not having syphilis, but in the early stages of the disease, the RPR often gives false negative results. Conversely, a false positive […]
- Syphilis test, VDRL
A blood test for syphilis (VDRL stands for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) that detects an antibody that is present in the bloodstream when a patient has syphilis. A negative (nonreactive) VDRL is compatible with a person not having syphilis, but in the early stages of the disease, the VDRL often gives false negative results. Conversely, […]
- Syphilis, congenital
Infection of a fetus or newborn with syphilis. Syphilis in a fetus can cause deformity, particularly of the long bones, or death. Syphilis infection acquired at birth is also dangerous. See also TORCH infection.
- Syphilis, tertiary
The third stage of syphilis, in which the syphilis spirochetes infect the brain, heart, and other organs of the body. Dementia is a common outcome. Tertiary syphilis can develop many years after an initial untreated infection. The spirochetes can cause extensive damage in the body, sometimes leading to death.