Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies

A competitive enzyme-linked Treponema pallidum immunosorbent assay (CETPIA) was compared with the standard serological tests for syphilis. Of 3081 serum samples submitted, 2883 gave negative results in the CETPIA and the routine screening tests. Positive results were obtained in the CETPIA and in one or more of the specific treponemal tests with 115 samples. Discrepancies in the results of the CETPIA and standard serological tests were found with 83 serum samples, most of these were attributed to biological false positive reactions in the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test. CETPIA may have a role in the serological diagnosis of syphilis.