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Moseley P, Bamford A, Eisen S, Lyall H, Kingston M, Thorne C, Piñera C, Rabie H, Prendergast AJ, Kadambari S. Resurgence of congenital syphilis: new strategies against an old foe. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e24-e35. [PMID: 37604180 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00314-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Congenital syphilis is a major global cause of fetal loss, stillbirth, neonatal death, and congenital infection. In 2020, the global rate of congenital syphilis was 425 cases per 100 000 livebirths-substantially higher than WHO's elimination target of 50 cases per 100 000 livebirths. Case rates are rising in many high-income countries, but remain low compared with those in low-income and middle-income settings. This Review aims to summarise the current epidemiology and knowledge on transmission and treatment of syphilis in pregnancy, and proposes measures to reduce the rising incidence seen worldwide. We also describe emerging diagnostic and treatment tools to prevent vertical transmission and improve management of congenital syphilis. Finally, we outline a programme of public health priorities, which include research, clinical, and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Moseley
- University of Queensland Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Alasdair Bamford
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Sarah Eisen
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | - Claire Thorne
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | | | - Helena Rabie
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa; Tygerberg Academic Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew J Prendergast
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Seilesh Kadambari
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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2
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Rodríguez I, Noda AA, Bosshard PP, Lienhard R. Anti-Treponema pallidum IgA response as a potential diagnostic marker of syphilis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1603.e1-1603.e4. [PMID: 37611864 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Serological tests for syphilis detect mainly total Ig, IgM or IgG antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the specific IgA response in syphilis patients according to disease stage. METHODS A serum IgA-enzyme immunoassay was developed using commercially available microplates coated with recombinant treponemal antigens and an anti-IgA-conjugate. To define a cut-off, we used 91 syphilis positive and 136 negative sera previously defined by the rapid plasma reagin and the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination results. Then we determined the intra- and inter-assay precisions, diagnostic sensitivity according to the clinical stage (in 66, 55 and 42 sera from primary, secondary and latent syphilis patients, respectively) and specificity (in 211 sera from people with conditions different to syphilis). IgA values were further measured in 71 sera from patients with previously treated syphilis. RESULTS The newly developed IgA-enzyme immunoassay showed a good discrimination between negative and positive samples with intra- and inter-assay variation coefficients <20%. The sensitivity was 80.3% (95% CI, 70.0-90.6), 100.0% (95% CI, 99.1-100.0) and 95.2% (95% CI, 87.6-100.0) in primary, secondary and latent syphilis, respectively, and the specificity was 98.1% (95% CI, 96.0-100.0). Further, IgA values were negative in 61.3% (38/62) of patients with previously treated syphilis. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest serum IgA as a sensitive and specific marker of syphilis and its detection could be used as a screening assay for active infection. Further evaluation is needed in prospective longitudinal field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Islay Rodríguez
- National Reference Laboratory of Treponemes and Special Pathogens, Tropical Medicine Institute "Pedro Kourí", Havana, Cuba.
| | - Angel A Noda
- National Reference Laboratory of Treponemes and Special Pathogens, Tropical Medicine Institute "Pedro Kourí", Havana, Cuba
| | - Philipp P Bosshard
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Flipse J, Niekamp AM, Dirks A, Dukers-Muijrers NHTM, Hoebe CJPA, Wolffs P, van Loo IHM. Refining Timely Diagnosis of Early Syphilis by Using Treponema pallidum PCR or IgM Immunoblotting Next to Conventional Serology for Syphilis. J Clin Microbiol 2023; 61:e0011223. [PMID: 37222630 PMCID: PMC10281170 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00112-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum is a fastidious spirochete and the etiologic agent of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis diagnoses and disease staging are based on clinical findings and serologic testing. Moreover, according to most international guidelines, PCR analysis of swab samples from genital ulcers is included in the screening algorithm where possible. It has been suggested that PCR might be omitted from the screening algorithm due to low added value. As an alternative to PCR, IgM serology might be used. In this study, we wanted to establish the added value of PCR and IgM serology for diagnosing primary syphilis. Added value was defined as finding more cases of syphilis, preventing overtreatment, or limiting the extent of partner notification to more recent partners. We found that both PCR and IgM immunoblotting could aid the timely diagnosis of early syphilis in ~24% to 27% of patients. PCR has the greatest sensitivity and can be applied to cases with an ulcer with suspected reinfection or primary infection. In the absence of lesions, the IgM immunoblot could be used. However, the IgM immunoblot has better performance in cases with suspected primary infection than in reinfections. The target population, testing algorithm, time pressures, and costs should determine whether either test provides sufficient value to be implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky Flipse
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne-Marie Niekamp
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, Public Health Service South Limburg, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne Dirks
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, Public Health Service South Limburg, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Health Promotion, Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christian J. P. A. Hoebe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, and Environmental Health, Living Lab Public Health, Public Health Service South Limburg, Heerlen, the Netherlands
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Petra Wolffs
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Inge H. M. van Loo
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, and Infection Prevention, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Salle R, Mayslich C, Grange PA, Leducq V, Ollagnier G, Heller U, Saule J, Martinet P, Robert JL, Benhaddou N, Fouere S, Dupin N. Specific detection of Treponema pallidum in clinical samples: validation of a qPCR assay combining two genomic targets. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:91-96. [PMID: 35459752 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2021-055364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated a real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of the Treponema pallidum (TP) genome in clinical samples through simultaneous detection of two genomic targets. METHODS We performed qPCR with TaqMan technology using two TP genes, polA and tpp47, as targets, with an internal positive control. The qPCR assay was compared with syphilis diagnosis based on a combination of clinical examination, serological results and inhouse nested PCR (nPCR). Samples were analysed at the National Reference Center for STIs at Cochin Hospital in Paris. RESULTS In total, from October 2010 to December 2016, 320 documented clinical samples (mucosal and cutaneous swabs) were collected from patients with or without syphilis attending STI centres in France. The qPCR had an overall sensitivity of 89% (95% CI 85.1% to 92.1%), a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 88% (95% CI 84.3% to 91.5%). The agreement between qPCR and nPCR results was 94% (κ=0.88, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.93). Calibration of the qPCR assay, by cloning both the polA and tpp47 genes, defined the detection threshold as 1 copy/µL of DNA elution. CONCLUSIONS We validated a new qPCR for detecting the TP genome in clinical samples with excellent sensitivity and specificity. The cloning of polA and tpp47 genes for calibration would be interesting in the evaluation of bacterial loads in samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Salle
- INSERM, Institut Cochin U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Équipe Biologie Cutané, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Dermatologie-Vénéréologie et CeGIDD, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, CNR IST Bactériennes - Expertise Syphilis, Paris, France
| | - Constance Mayslich
- INSERM, Institut Cochin U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Équipe Biologie Cutané, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Alain Grange
- INSERM, Institut Cochin U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Équipe Biologie Cutané, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Dermatologie-Vénéréologie et CeGIDD, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, CNR IST Bactériennes - Expertise Syphilis, Paris, France
| | - Valentin Leducq
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique (iPLESP), AP-HP, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Virology, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Ollagnier
- INSERM, Institut Cochin U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Équipe Biologie Cutané, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Service de Dermatologie-Vénéréologie et CeGIDD, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, CNR IST Bactériennes - Expertise Syphilis, Paris, France
| | - Ugo Heller
- Service de Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, Clichy, France
| | - Julie Saule
- CeGIDD-Conseil Départemental 13 Joliette, Marseille, France
| | - Pervenche Martinet
- CeGIDD-Conseil Départemental 13 Joliette; CeGIDD-Conseil Départemental 13 Saint Adrien, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Luc Robert
- CeGIDD-Conseil Départemental 13 d'Aix, Aix-en-Provence, France
| | - Nadjet Benhaddou
- Service de Bactériologie, APHP, CNR Streptocoques, Paris, France
| | - Sebastien Fouere
- Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Louis, Lariboisière, Fernand-Widal, CeGIDD, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Dupin
- INSERM, Institut Cochin U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Équipe Biologie Cutané, Université de Paris, Paris, France .,Service de Dermatologie-Vénéréologie et CeGIDD, Hôpital Cochin, APHP, CNR IST Bactériennes - Expertise Syphilis, Paris, France
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Xia D, Yuan L, Zhou Q, Chen S, Chen X, Yin Y. Performance evaluation of eight treponemal antibody tests in China. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 104:115790. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2022.115790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ramoni S, Riva D, Spigariolo CB, Cusini M. Primary syphilis of the finger: report of four cases. Int J STD AIDS 2022; 33:728-730. [PMID: 35487222 DOI: 10.1177/09564624221097221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although primary syphilis generally involves the genitalia, literature reports that 12% of chancres are extragenital, with the anus and oral cavity as the most frequent locations. We present hereby a case series of four chancres of the finger observed at the sexually transmitted infection centre of Milan between 2010 and 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ramoni
- Dermatology Unit, 9339Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Riva
- Dermatology Unit, 9339Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 9304Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina B Spigariolo
- Dermatology Unit, 9339Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, 9304Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cusini
- Dermatology Unit, 9339Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Noda AA, Méndez M, Rodríguez I, Šmajs D. Genetic Recombination in Treponema pallidum: Implications for Diagnosis, Epidemiology, and Vaccine Development. Sex Transm Dis 2022; 49:e7-e10. [PMID: 34618784 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Angel A Noda
- From the Department of Mycology-Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba
| | - Melisa Méndez
- From the Department of Mycology-Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba
| | - Islay Rodríguez
- From the Department of Mycology-Bacteriology, Institute of Tropical Medicine "Pedro Kourí," Havana, Cuba
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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Use of a Multiplex PCR Assay To Assess the Presence of Treponema pallidum in Mucocutaneous Ulcerations in Patients with Suspected Syphilis. J Clin Microbiol 2021; 59:JCM.01994-20. [PMID: 33177120 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01994-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the utility of the commercial Allplex genital ulcer real-time PCR multiplex assay for detecting Treponema pallidum, herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), and Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L (lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV]) DNA in mucosal and genital ulcers in the context of suspected syphilis. In total, 374 documented genital and mucosal ulcers from patients with and without syphilis presenting at several sexually transmitted infection (STI) centers in France from October 2010 to December 2016 were analyzed at the National Reference Center (CNR) for Bacterial STIs at Cochin Hospital in Paris. T. pallidum subsp. pallidum detection results were compared with the final diagnosis based on a combination of clinical examination, serological results, and in-house nested PCR (nPCR). Detections of HSV and LGV were validated against reference methods. We found that 44.6% of the 374 samples tested were positive for T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, 21% for HSV, and 0.8% for LGV. No positive results were obtained for 30.7% of samples, and 4.8% presented coinfections. For T. pallidum subsp. pallidum detection, the overall sensitivity was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.1 to 84.1%), specificity was 98.8% (95% CI, 97.7 to 99.9%), positive predictive value was 98.8% (95% CI, 97.7 to 99.9%) and negative predictive value was 80.2% (95% CI, 76.2 to 84.2%), with a rate of concordance with the reference method of 92.5% (k = 0.85). This PCR multiplex assay is suitable for T. pallidum subsp. pallidum detection in routine use and facilitates the simultaneous rapid detection of a broad panel of pathogens relevant in a context of suspected syphilis lesions.
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Ramoni S, Genovese G, Pastena A, Casazza G, Lunghi G, Marzano AV, Cusini M. Clinical and laboratory features of 244 men with primary syphilis: a 5-year single-centre retrospective study. Sex Transm Infect 2021; 97:479-484. [PMID: 33431607 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syphilis incidence has exponentially increased in recent decades, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). Primary syphilis is characterised by a chancre appearing at the site of Treponema pallidum (TP) inoculation. Atypical morphological variants of syphilitic chancre are frequent. Clinical suspicion must be confirmed either by the demonstration of TP within the lesion through direct tests, such as dark field microscopy (DFM) or T. pallidum nucleic acid amplification technique (TP-NAAT), or by serological tests. OBJECTIVES To analyse the clinical features, the sexual behaviour and the role of diagnostic tests in a cohort of men with primary syphilis in Milan. METHODS Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data of male patients with primary syphilis seen at the STI Center of the University of Milan between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Diagnosis was confirmed by at least one positive diagnostic test of either DFM, TP-NAAT or serology. RESULTS Among a total of 244 patients, 160 (65.6%) were MSM and 32 (13.1%) were living with HIV. One hundred twenty-four (50.8%) patients had a clinically atypical chancre. Chancres were exclusively extragenital in 30 (12.3%) patients, with MSM being more commonly affected (MSM vs heterosexuals: 16.3% vs 4.8%, respectively; p=0.012), and anal region the most frequently involved site. Chancres were multiple in 68/242 (28.1%) patients and morphologically atypical in 76/244 (31.1%). Diagnosis was obtained by (1) both serology and direct methods in 158/244 patients (64.7%), (2) serology solely in 47/244 (19.3%) and (3) direct methods solely in 39/244 (16%). DFM yielded positive results in 83/139 (59.7%) patients, while TP-NAAT gave positive results in 114/121 (94.2%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with primary syphilis frequently present with morphologically atypical chancres. Furthermore, MSM commonly exhibit extragenital involvement. A combined diagnostic approach including both direct and indirect tests is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ramoni
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Genovese
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Pastena
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences "L. Sacco", Universita' degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lunghi
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore di Milano Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Cusini
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Vrbová E, Mikalová L, Grillová L, Pospíšilová P, Strnadel R, Dastychová E, Kojanová M, Kreidlová M, Vaňousová D, Rob F, Procházka P, Krchňáková A, Vašků V, Woznicová V, Dvořáková Heroldová M, Kuklová I, Zákoucká H, Šmajs D. A retrospective study on nested PCR detection of syphilis treponemes in clinical samples: PCR detection contributes to the diagnosis of syphilis in patients with seronegative and serodiscrepant results. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237949. [PMID: 32817658 PMCID: PMC7446855 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum ssp. pallidum (TPA), is a persisting global health problem. Although syphilis diagnostics relies mainly on serology, serological tests have some limitations, and it is recommended that the final diagnosis be supported by additional tests. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between serology and PCR in syphilis diagnostics. From the year 2004 to May 2019, a total of 941 samples were taken from 833 patients suspected of having syphilis, in Czech Republic. In all these samples, both nested PCR detection of TPA and serology testing were performed. Of the 941 samples, 126 were seronegative, 651 were seropositive, and 164 were serodiscrepant. Among seronegative samples (n = 126), 11 were PCR-positive (8.7%). Among seropositive samples (n = 651; i.e., samples positive for both non-treponemal and treponemal serology tests), 368 samples were PCR-positive (56.5%). The remaining 164 serodiscrepant samples included RPR negative and treponemal serological test-positive samples (n = 154) and a set of 10 RPR-positive samples negative in treponemal serological tests. While the first group revealed 73 PCR-positive samples (47.4%), the second revealed 5 PCR positive samples (50.0%). PCR detection rates were highest in primary syphilis, with lower rates in the secondary and undetermined syphilis stages. As shown here, the nested PCR can improve diagnostics of syphilis, especially in seronegative patients and in patients with discrepant serology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliška Vrbová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Mikalová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Linda Grillová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pospíšilová
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Strnadel
- Department of Dermatovenerology, Faculty Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Dastychová
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Anne’s Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Kojanová
- Department of Dermatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Kreidlová
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics of the General University Hospital and of The First Faculty of Medicine of Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniela Vaňousová
- Department of Dermatovenerology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Rob
- Department of Dermatovenerology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Alena Krchňáková
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Anne’s Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Vašků
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Anne’s Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vladana Woznicová
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Anne’s Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Dvořáková Heroldová
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, St. Anne’s Hospital and Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ivana Kuklová
- Department of Dermatology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Zákoucká
- National Reference Laboratory for Diagnostics of the Syphilis, National Institute for Public Health, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Šmajs
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
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