Clinical diagnostic products
Syphilis
Lab21 Healthcare produces four different types of syphilis test suitable for the screening of blood supplies.
- RPR
Non-treponemal antibody test detecting rapid plasma reagin (RPR) antibodies. - TPHA
Treponemal antibody test using preserved avian erythrocytes coated with T antigens. - EIA
Treponemal antibody test using three recombinant antigens in a sandwich format. - IgM
Specially formulated to enhance reactivity and is proven to improve specificity.
Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by the spirochaete Treponema pallidum. It is usually acquired by sexual contact but may also be transmitted by transfusion of infected blood.
An estimated 11.76 million cases of syphilis occurred worldwide in 1999. The incidence and prevalence of the disease varies widely in different parts of the world and may fluctuate considerably within any one region from year to year. The highest rates are seen in developing countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and South and Southeast Asia.
Initial infection typically produces sores, known as chancres, at the site of infection. The bacteria then move throughout the body, damaging many organs over time. The course of the disease is divided into four stages. An infected person who has not been treated may infect others during the first two stages, which usually last one to two years. In its late stages, untreated syphilis, although not contagious, can cause serious and irreversible cardiovascular and neurological problems.
Diagnosis usually depends on the demonstration of antibodies in the blood. Two types of antibody are produced in response to infection – anti-lipid reagin antibody and specific anti-treponemal antibody. These appear soon after infection; the specific anti-treponemal antibodies may persist for many years, whereas the reagin antibodies may disappear after treatment.
Lab21 Healthcare’ test formats
Lab21 Healthcare produces three different types of syphilis test suitable for the screening of blood supplies.
