* Treponemal tests include the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS), the Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA), the T. pallidum enzyme immunoassay (TP-EIA), or chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA). These different tests target different antigens.
¶ Nontreponemal tests include the rapid plasma reagin (RPR), the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL), and the toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST).
Δ Treatment of syphilis depends upon the clinical manifestations and the stage of disease (eg, early, late, neurosyphilis). Asymptomatic patients are considered to have latent syphilis and should be treated for early latent (patient has serologic evidence of T. pallidum infection that was acquired within the last 12 months) or late latent disease (the initial infection occurred more than 12 months ago). If the timing of an infection is not known, late latent syphilis is presumed. Refer to UpToDate topic on the treatment and monitoring of syphilis for information on treatment regimens.