Quantitative microhaemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies in experimental syphilis

Abstract

The quantitative microhaemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies (MHA-TP) was studied in 52 untreated and treated rabbits with experimental syphilis. Rabbits with incubating experimental syphilis were cured or inadequately treated with penicillin G and some cured rabbits were later reinfected. MHA-TP conversion occurred within 45 days in untreated rabbits. Titres reached peak levels about four months after inoculation and remained relatively high for up to two years. The quantitative MHA-TP test differentiated between rabbits cured of experimental incubating syphilis and those untreated and inadequately treated. MHA-TP titres decreased after treatment given six or 12 months after inoculation but reversion did not occur. MHA-TP conversion or significant increases in titre occurred as soon as seven days after reinfection and preceded corresponding changes in a quantitative non-treponemal test. The MHATP is useful as a screening test for treponemal antibodies in rabbits. The quantitative MHA-TP in humans after treatment for syphilis and reinfection deserves further study.