Rapid Syphilis Assay Uses Recombinant Antigens

A syphilis IgM antibody test has a high level of sensitivity and reduces the risk of false-positive results. The new diagnostic provides treatment monitoring at all stages of the disease.

The assay's primary function is to detect IgM antibodies, which are particularly useful for detection of primary infections, but can also be used in differential diagnosis of syphilis pathology. The test is accurate and can be performed in as little as two hours.

Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It is usually acquired by sexual contact but can also be transmitted by transfusion of infected blood.

The new syphilis assay is a product of Newmarket Labs (Newmarket, UK) part of the Lab21 Group (Cambridge, UK). The company's scientists discovered that chemical treatment of recombinant syphilis antigens improved the ability of these proteins to discriminate between infected and noninfected samples. This information was successfully incorporated into the syphilis detection products with significant improvement in the specificity the assays. The company now supplies the complete range of syphilis testing diagnostics including reagents.

Dr Christian Goodwin, head of immunoassay development at Newmarket Labs commented, "Using the experience that we have accumulated in immunodiagnostic assay development we have designed this test so that it is particularly easy to use, is easily automated and, unlike the major competitor assays, can directly measure IgM syphilis antibodies without the requirement for sample predilution.”

Lab21 is a global provider of diagnostic products and services, supporting medical diagnostics, blood bank screening, and drug discovery. The product division of the company manufactures immunodiagnostic kits and reagents.

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