[Serological diagnosis of syphilis by the SPHA test (author's transl)]

Despite the availability of a broad spectrum of specific and non-specific tests for the serodiagnosis of syphilis, the interpretation of the results may be difficult and may frequently not provide sufficient information for a precise decision on the needs for antisyphilitic treatment. The present paper reports on the serological IgM tests (IgM-FTA-ABS; 19S-IgM-FTA-ABS) and, in particular, on the newly-developed SPHA test (solid phase hemadsorption). Present experience indicates that for the first time in syphilis serology this test unifies the advantages of high specificity, high sensitivity, low costs and extraordinary clinical value for the decision whether or not the patient needs antisyphilitic treatment.