Counterimmunoelectrophoresis of Reiter Treponeme Axial filaments as a diagnostic test for syphilis

Abstract

Purified axial filaments from the cultivable Reiter treponeme, previously shown to share an antigenic component with pathogenic Treponema pallidum, were evaluated as antigen in a diagnostic test for syphilis. Antibody to the filaments was revealed by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Conditions that produced optimal results in the test were established. A total of 343 sera from normal individuals, biological false-positive reactors, and from patients in the different stages of syphilis were subjected to the test. The test is sensitive and highly specific for detecting treponemal antibodies in human syphilis.