[Clinical specimens for PCR detection of syphilis].

Abstract

A review is presented of types of clinical specimens used for diagnosis of syphilis by polymerase chain reaction. PCR is a routine method for detection of T. pallidum in swabs of chancres and primary and secondary syphilis mucocutaneous lesions. Whole blood, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, aspirate and biopsy specimens, and paraffin-embedded tissues can also be tested by PCR for T. pallidum. However, further research on PCR detection sensitivity at various stages of syphilis is needed before these specimens are used in clinical practice.

• Authors: V Woznicová, M Votava, M Flasarová
• Journal: Epidemiologie, mikrobiologie, imunologie : casopis Spolecnosti pro epidemiologii a mikrobiologii Ceske lekarske spolecnosti J.E. Purkyne (Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol) Vol. 56 Issue 2 Pg. 66-71 (Apr 2007) ISSN: 1210-7913 [Print] Czech Republic
• Vernacular Title: Klinický materiál pro průkaz syfilis metodou polymerázové retezové reakce.
• PMID: 17593803 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Humans
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Specimen Handling
• Syphilis (diagnosis)
• Treponema pallidum (isolation & purification)