TITLE:
Secondary Syphilis in Man: Prozone Effect
AUTHORS:
Nayrton Kalys Cruz dos Anjos, Daniel Almeida da Costa, Thiago Sande Miguel, Livia Cristina de Melo Pino, Sebastião Célio Horta Coelho Filho, Débora Trindade Martins, Vinicius Sande Miguel, Bruna Sande Miguel, Fernando Antônio Galvão Pereira Junior, Vinicius Moreira Paladino
KEYWORDS:
Secondary Syphilis, Prozone Effect, Treponema pallidum
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.6 No.2,
February
7,
2018
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Syphilis consists in a systemic infect contagious pathology with a chronic character. The etiological agent consists of an anaerobic spirochete bacterium, Treponema pallidum. Laboratory diagnosis can be made through a direct investigation of the etiologic agent or non-treponemal (VDRL) and treponemal (FTA-Abs) serological tests. False-negative results are rare. Objectives: The present report presents a rare case of a man with a secondary syphilis syndrome who was initially undiagnosed due to the prozone effect, since he presented VDRL in low titers, and was later confirmed
with a new diluted serum sample and VDRL and FTA-Abs, which were positive. Conclusion: A close look should be given to patients who, although the clinical condition is
compatible, complementary exams may not be, and clinical cases should be carefully
evaluated so that the patient is not treated late.