Serology of Syphilis based on Recent Observations

Calcification of the Aorta as an Aid to the Diagnosis of Syphilis

“…[Wrm SPECIAL PLATE] The limitations of serological tests in the diagnosis of syphilis have long been known, though it is too often forgotten that blood testing may give completely negative-results, in spite of an active syphilitic process (Stokes et al, 1946 ;Wolkin, 1954;Jackman and Lubert, 1945), or, again, that a positive finding may be indicative of a non-specific reaction (Kahn, 1954). The possibility of negative serological reactions, particularly in the old chronic syphilitic, must always be borne in mind, especially in view of the widespread use of modern antibiotics with their ever-present danger of causing a Herxheimer reaction.…”

Smallpox as a Cause of False Positive Reactions to the Kahn Test

“…This time for the taking of the specimens was chosen because in acute infections there is an incubation period of about 2 weeks for the development of the B.F.P. reaction (Kahn, 1954).…”