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The laboratory diagnosis of congenital syphilis: a review
The serodiagnosis of congenital syphilis is reviewed. Maternal history is the least reliable criterion for detecting congenital syphilis. A positive maternal history may or may not be valid; a negative maternal history does not rule out the possibility of congenital syphilis. Syphilis serology performed on the infant is a better criterion for detecting asymptomatic congenital syphilis or delayed onset. Serial VDRL titers on the infants are the best diagnostic tool presently available. A decreasing titer indicates the presence of maternally derived antibodies. The FTA-ABS (IgM) is still not sufficiently evaluated and standardized for routine clinical application.
The serodiagnosis of congenital syphilis is reviewed. Maternal history is the least reliable criterion for detecting congenital syphilis. A positive maternal history may or may not be valid; a negative maternal history does not rule out the possibility of congenital syphilis. Syphilis serology performed on the infant is a better criterion for detecting asymptomatic congenital syphilis or delayed onset. Serial VDRL titers on the infants are the best diagnostic tool presently available. A decreasing titer indicates the presence of maternally derived antibodies. The FTA-ABS (IgM) is still not sufficiently evaluated and standardized for routine clinical application.