Cross-sectional study of Treponema pallidum PCR in diagnosis of primary and secondary syphilis

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018

Authors

Costa Silva, M (Author) Other; Coutinho, D (Author) Other; Sobrinho Simoes, J (Author) Other; Azevedo, F (Author) Other; Carmen Silva (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Dermatology

Vol. 57 No. 1

Pages: 46-49

ISSN: 0011-9059

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 12 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-FJ4

DOI: 10.1111/ijd.13823

Abstract (EN): BackgroundSyphilis remains a major challenge and a complex diagnosis. We aim to evaluate the role of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Treponema pallidum (Tp) detection in various types of biological samples in the diagnosis of early syphilis. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including all attendees of the STI clinic with clinical suspicion of early syphilis. One or more specimens for the detection of Tp by PCR testing were collected. ResultsThe overall sensitivity of Tp PCR test was 82.61% (95% CI: 68.6-92.2%). Tp PCR test had sensitivity of 84.6% (95% CI: 54.6-98.1%) in primary syphilis cases and 81.8% (95% CI: 64.5-93%) in secondary syphilis cases. PCR test performance was independent of HIV status. ConclusionTp PCR test is a fast and reliable method for the detection of Tp in skin lesions of early syphilis, and it is a powerful tool in clinical settings.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 4