Haas JS, Bolan G, Larsen S, Clement M, Moss A; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 360 (abstract no. W.B.P.54).
San Francisco General Hospital & UCSF, SF, CA, USA
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity of treponemal tests (i.e. FTA-ABS and/or MHA-TP) for syphilis in individuals with HIV infection. METHODS: Subjects -- 110 homosexual men with a documented history of syphilis, who enrolled in a longitudinal cohort between 1982-85. Syphilis serology done on entry into cohort was compared to records of previous results. Serology confirmed on stored serum samples. Study design -- retrospective review. RESULTS: None of the HIV-negative individuals in the cohort "seroreverted," whereas 7.2% of those who were HIV-seropositive but asymptomatic, 42.9% of those with ARC, and 35.7% of those with AIDS had loss of reactivity of a treponemal test. The relative risk of "seroreversion" for those with ARC was 14.3 (p=0.02), and for those with AIDS 10.5 (p=0.02). Characteristics of those with "seroreversion" and those with persistent reactivity include: TABULAR DATA, SEE ABSTRACT VOLUME. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with symptomatic HIV infection and a documented history of syphilis lose reactivity of treponemal tests. Reversion appears to be related to the decline of total T4 count and T4/T8 ratio. These findings raise questions about the sensitivity of treponemal tests in HIV-infected individuals, and suggest that a history of syphilis cannot be excluded by negative treponemal tests.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- AIDS-Related Complex
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Homosexuality
- Humans
- Male
- Serologic Tests
- Syphilis
- Syphilis Serodiagnosis
Other ID:
UI: 102177688
From Meeting Abstracts