Latent Syphilis: Immunoglobulins Reactive in Immunofluorescence and Other Serological Tests

Abstract

Study of sera from 69 patients with untreated or inadequately treated latent syphilis revealed that immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies made up the bulk of the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption (FTA-ABS)-test reactivity found in the sera. IgM and IgA antibodies also contributed in some cases. Venereal Disease Research Laboratory slide-test reactivity was found in both 19 and 7S serum fractions, whereas Treponema pallidum immobilization-test reactivity was found mainly in the 7S fraction.