OBSERVATIONS CONCERNING FLUORESCENT TREPONEMAL ANTIBODY TEST FOR SYPHILIS

[摘要] A comparison of the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA) test with the VDRL slide test and Reiter Protein Complement Fixation (RPCF) test shows that the FTA becomes reactive earlier in the course of syphilis than either of the other two tests. This study suggests that the FTA either detects a different antibody from the TPI test, or that it is a more sensitive test than the TPI. Quantitative determinations of FTA antibody were performed using a serum dilution technic. It was found that FTA antibody was detectable in higher titers than was reagin (as measured by the VDRL). The FTA followed much the same pattern as reagin, with the highest titers being found in secondary syphilis. This would suggest that the antibody measured is not responsible for the relative immunity observed in late syphilis. The FTA showed a reduction in titer following treatment but was detectable over a more prolonged period than the VDRL.