Syphilis Serology Today

Serologic testing is an important adjunct in the diagnosis and management of syphilis. In this review, the various currently used serologic tests, both non-treponemal and treponemal, are considered. Special emphasis is placed on their relative advantages, applications, and limitations. Conditions under which these tests may be falsely positive are discussed. Additional diagnostic tools cited are the dark-field examination, for use in early-lesion syphilis, and cytological and immunochemical techniques for determining potentially active neurosyphilis. The analysis of every serologic report, and its correlation to the historical, epidemiological, and clinical findings, is highlighted.