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Serologic tests for treponematoses in the United Arab Emirates
H Nsanze1, G G Lestringant, A M Ameen
1Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
International Journal of Dermatology
|November 1, 1996
Summary
In the UAE, serological tests revealed a high prevalence of treponematoses, particularly in individuals over 50 years old. Osteoarthritis was more common in those with positive results, suggesting a link to past bejel infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Venereal syphilis is rare in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Nonvenereal syphilis (bejel) is endemic in some Middle Eastern countries, but its prevalence in the UAE is not well-documented.
- The extent of treponematoses in the UAE requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate treponematoses in patients attending a UAE hospital outpatient clinic.
- To determine the seroprevalence of treponematoses and associated clinical conditions in the UAE population.
- To assess the relationship between serological findings and clinical manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Serological screening of 1,084 patients using Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) tests.
- Retrospective review and comparison of clinical charts for seropositive and seronegative patients, matched for age and sex.
- Analysis of clinical problems in relation to treponemal antibody status.
Main Results:
- 47 individuals tested positive for antitreponema antibodies.
- Seropositivity rates increased with age, from 0.36% in those under 16 to 8.3% in those over 50.
- No overt clinical signs of bejel were observed in seropositive individuals, but osteoarthritis was significantly more prevalent compared to the seronegative group.
Conclusions:
- Venereal syphilis is uncommon in the UAE.
- A high seropositivity rate for treponematoses exists in the UAE population, especially in individuals over 50 years.
- The findings suggest a possible link to past or attenuated bejel infections in older age groups.