CURRENT ASPECTS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SYPHI LIS

In order to present the diagnostic possibilities of treponemal infecti ons, syphilis can be chosen as an example. The direct detection of the pathogen is limited mainly to the early stages of the disease. The di agnostic significance of the PCR as a possible alternative method cann ot yet be estimated. The concept for the serodiagnosis of syphilis whi ch includes the TPHA assay as a screening test, the FTA-ABS as the con firmatory test, and the detection of T. pallidum specific IgM antibodi es and lipoidal antibodies for the estimation of the disease activity has proven to be very successful. Whether the enzyme immunoassays can replace or supplement the conventional methods has yet to be evaluated critically. There is no possibility for a general statement on the sy mptomatology of syphilis and the pattern of serological reactions in H IV-infected persons, since the immune system function of each individu al is of great importance.