Evaluation of the utility of a rapid test for syphilis at a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Even though syphilis can be easily diagnosed by simple and low-cost laboratory methods, it continues to be an important health problem. Rapid tests (RT) for the detection of treponemal antibodies can facilitate earlier diagnosis, access to treatment and linkage to care. The aim of this study was to...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific reports 2018-05, Vol.8 (1), p.7542-6, Article 7542
Main Authors: Gallo Vaulet, Lucía, Morando, Nicolás, Casco, Ricardo, Melgar, Asunta, Nacher, Silvia, Rodríguez Fermepin, Marcelo, Pando, María A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Patients
Serology
Sexually transmitted diseases
STD
Syphilis
VDRL test
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Summary:Even though syphilis can be easily diagnosed by simple and low-cost laboratory methods, it continues to be an important health problem. Rapid tests (RT) for the detection of treponemal antibodies can facilitate earlier diagnosis, access to treatment and linkage to care. The aim of this study was to analyse the usefulness of the incorporation of a RT in the detection of patients infected with T. pallidum in a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Between March and December 2015, a syphilis RT was offered to patients who spontaneously attended the clinic. Conventional serology testing was additionally indicated to every participant. The RT for syphilis was offered to 1887 patients, of whom 31.1% agreed to get tested. VDRL test was performed in 84.0% of patients that were also tested with syphilis RT, with a significantly higher frequency observed among participants with reactive RT (94.3% vs. 79.8%, p 
ISSN:2045-2322
2045-2322
DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-25941-4