[Serodiagnosis of syphilis from the viewpoint of the immunologist]

A review of the immunology of the serological diagnosis of syphilis is given and modern methods for the demonstration of treponema-specific antibodies are shown. The possible combinations of test results and interpretations of these are discussed. The importance of the demonstration of treponema-specific IgM-antibodies not only for diagnosis but also for basis of treatment is finally pointed out.