Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test Reactions in Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Several serologic tests for syphilis (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] slide test, fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption [FTA-ABS] test, and Treponema pallidum immobilization [TPI] test) were performed on serums from 150 patients with lupus erythematosus. VDRL tests were reactive in 24 patients, and the TPI test in one. Twenty-three patients showed some degree of fluorescence in the FTA-ABS test; of these, four were reactive (one of these had the reactive TPI test), and eight were borderline. In the other 11, an atypical "beading" fluorescence pattern was noted, in contrast to the homogeneous pattern of fluorescence usually seen. VDRL reactivity and FTA-ABS fluorescence in the whole group were independent variables. No clinical or historical evidence of syphilis could be found in any of the 23 patients. A group of 75 "normal" controls showed no reactivity in the VDRL, FTA-ABS or TPI tests.