Protein microarray with recombinant antigens for the detection of IgG or IgM antibodies against Treponema pallidum in human serum and plasma

Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum is the causative agent of Syphilis, a chronic disease occurring only in humans which is transmitted by sexual contact, via blood or intrauterine. The disease progresses in stages and starts with a short propagation period at the site of infection (primary stage), followed by the haematogenic spreading of the pathogen throughout the entire organism (secondary stage). After the decline of acute symptoms T. pallidum can persist in the human organism for years (stage of latency) and cause late complications a long time after infection (tertiary Syphilis or neurosyphilis).

For serologic diagnosis of Syphilis, a sensitive antibody screening assay is used in the first step. In case of positive or equivocal results a confirmation assay is performed in the second step to assure the specificity. Common screening assays are TPHA/TPPA-agglutination assays or immunoassays additionally e.g. immunoblot assays may be used for conformation.

The recomDot Treponema is based on genetically engineered, highly specific Treponema antigens and can be used as a confirmatory test for Treponema infections. The protein microarray technique combines the high informative value of the Line immunoassay with easy, automated processing on standard ELISA instruments. This makes the recomDot Treponema an ideal test for routine laboratories with high throughput capacities.

Commercial product