Evaluation of three serological tests manufactured in belarus for the diagnosis of syphilis

Abstract

The performance of three serological tests manufactured in Belarus for the diagnosis of syphilis, i.e. a micropreci-pitation reaction (MPR) and two enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assays (ELISAs) were compared with internationally recognized assays, namely the rapid plasma reagin test and the Treponema pallidum passive particle agglutination assay (TPPA). Sera from 392 consecutive patients attending Brest (Belarus) regional dermatove-nereological dispensaries were tested. The sensitivity of the MPR test was low (77.3%) compared with the rapid plasma reagin test, while the specifcity was high (100%). In contrast, both Belarusian ELISAs performed well when compared with the TPPA (sensitivities of 99.2% and 100%, specifcities of 98.7% and 99.0%, respectively). There is a clear need to improve the sensitivity of the existing Belarusian MPR test or to use a more sensitive screening test in order to improve diagnosis of the disease in Belarus.© 2011 The Authors.