The TPI and FTA-ABS tests in treated late syphilis

Computed Tomographic and Morphologic Features of Syphilis of the Aorta

This report describes certain computed tomographic and morphologic features of syphilitic aortitis in 2 patients in whom the process involved the entire thoracic aorta.

A comparison between sorbent and Reiter sonicate in the absorbed fluorescent treponemal antibody test

Some syphilitic sera still fluoresce with Reiter treponemes as the antigen after treatment with the sorbent used in the FTA-ABS test; this finding indicates incomplete removal of group antitreponemal antibody. Levels of this antibody in normal sera have been studied in relation to the titration of sorbent for use in the test. A comparison has been made of the results of FTA-ABS tests with sorbent and Reiter sonicate and the TPI test on 1141 selected problem sera. Results with the sonicate displayed closer agreement (60.9%) with those of the TPI test than did tests with sorbent 40.8%). The use of sonicate as the sorbing agent is thought to improve the performance of the FTA-ABS test without diminishing its sensitivity.

A comparison of the absorbed fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA-ABS) test and other screening tests for treponemal disease in patients attending a venereal disease clinic

Screening tests-absorbed fluorescent treponemal (FTA-ABS), the Reiter protein complement-fixation (RPCFT), VDRL slide test, automated reagin-and cardiolipin Wassermann reaction-were carried out on 1922 consecutive new patients attending the Whitechapel Clinic over a three-month period.Taking the FTA-ABS test results as an index, the most efficient combination of conventional tests was found to be the RPCFT and automated reagin test. The cardiolipin WR proved to be under-sensitive and of little value compared with the other tests.Forty-two per cent of the 107 sera reactive in the FTA-ABS test were not detected by the RPCFT or ART tests. An assessment based on the TPI test results and clinical findings in these patients is presented. The scope and limitations of the FTA-ABS test as a screening procedure are discussed.