[Recent developments in the field of syphilis serology (author's transl)]

All lipoid antigen tests are outdated except for the VDRL and RPR or RPRC and even these methods will be superseded in the near future. The TPI (Nelson-Mayer) test has been replaced by more reliable assays. The micro-haemagglutination assay with Tr. pallidum antigen (MHA-TP) or its automated version (AMPHA-TP) serve for screening. Reactive results in the AMPHA-TP have to be checked by the FTA-ABS. Reactivity to both tests indicates an infection with Tr. pallidum. The margin of error of this method is as low as 0.04 to 0.45%. The VDRL titre indicates, as yet, the activity of a syphilitic infection and the limit appears to be around 1 : 8. A decrease in the VDRL titre after adequate treatment suggests a successful therapeutic outcome. More reliable methods for assessing the necessity of treatment, as well as the results of therapy and the distinction between relapse and reinfection are provided by the identification of 19S-IgM-antibodies to Tr. pallidum by means of the 19S-IgM-FTA-ABS or the SPHA (SPIT) test. These assays will soon be available as routine procedures and their application will terminate the traditional era of lipoid antigen serology which has lasted for more than 70 years.