Improved Efficiency Using Sequential Automated Immunoassays for Syphilis Screening in Blood Donors

Overview

Journal J Clin Microbiol

Specialty Microbiology

Date 2024 Jul 15

PMID 39007562

Authors

Anthea Cheng

Anindita Das

Claire E Styles

Zin Naing

William D Rawlinson

Iain B Gosbell

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Importance: The serodiagnosis for syphilis usually follows two methodologies-a "traditional" algorithm using a non-treponemal test followed by confirmation using a treponemal test, or a "reverse" algorithm using a treponemal test followed by a non-treponemal test. There are limited reports in the literature of using a modified reverse algorithm (treponemal test followed by a second treponemal test), and to the best of knowledge, there are currently no published articles using two highly sensitive automated immunoassays to aid the serodiagnosis of syphilis. In addition, the particle agglutination (TPPA) assay is commonly used as a confirmatory test for the diagnosis of syphilis. With the withdrawal of the TPPA assay from Australia and presumably from the global market also, alternative testing algorithms are now required. This study provides proof of concept for using sequential immunoassays in the diagnosis of syphilis.

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