Positive serological tests for syphilis and administration of intravenous immunoglobulin. Issue 1 (5th February 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Constable, S A; Parry, C M; Enevoldson, T P; Bradley, M
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 83:Issue 1(2007)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2007-02-05
• Subjects: CSF, cerebrospinal fluid -- EIA, enzyme immunoassay -- GBS, Guillain-Barré syndrome -- HNIG, human normal immunoglobulin -- RPR, rapid plasma reagin -- TPHA, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay -- VDRL, Venereal Disease Research Laboratory; intravenous immunoglobulin -- syphilis -- serological tests; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.2006.020503
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : We report the case of a man who tested positive for syphilis following the intravenous administration of human normal immunoglobulin as part of the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The chronology of the testing suggested the passive acquisition of treponemal antibody. This phenomenon is not widely documented in the medical literature, but is a theoretical risk of treatment, and serves as a reminder to be cautious in the interpretation of such serological tests.