Created at 8:55 a.m. Aug, 11, 2025
Author:
salmanumer
Type of change:
Updated content
Rationale for change
Rapid plasma reagin (RPR): most commonly used test
Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test (VDRL): often used in the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid for neurosyphilis
https://next.amboss.com/us/article/sk0t6T#Z4ee122f5fb755db23dee861d20ae579a
doesnt matter primary, secondary or tertiary
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- High sensitivity (for secondary stage and beyond) but not specific
False-Positive results on VDRL with:
- Pregnancy
- Viral infection (e.g., EBV, hepatitis)
- Drugs (e.g., chlorpromazine, procainamide)
- Rheumatic fever (rare)
- Lupus (anticardiolipin antibody), Leprosy
Serologic tests for primary syphilis:
- Screening test: nontreponemal test (e.g., VDRL)
Serologic tests for secondary syphilis:
- Screening test: nontreponemal test (e.g., VDRL or RPR)
- Positive result confirmed with a treponemal test (e.g., FTA-ABS or TP-EIA)
- Positive result confirmed with a treponemal test (e.g., FTA-ABS or TP-EIA)

Lecture Notes
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Missed Questions
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Pathoma
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Boards and Beyond
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First Aid










Sketchy



Watch Treponema pallidum



Watch Treponema pallidum
Sketchy 2




Watch Genital Ulcers DDx




Watch Genital Ulcers DDx
Sketchy Extra
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Picmonic
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Pixorize
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Physeo
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OME
Additional Resources
One by one
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