Detection of Treponema pallidum DNA
The rapid and continued growth in syphilis cases, caused by the spirochete bacterium T. pallidum subsp. pallidum, in the United States is associated with significant maternal-fetal mortality and health disparities for racial/ethnic minorities and men who have sex with men (CDC 2021). Improvements in speed and accuracy of laboratory diagnosis are critical to disrupt this cycle of worsening infections by supporting prompt treatment decision-making. Serologic Syphilis Screen [SYPHSC] is the current mainstay of clinical syphilis testing, but require confirmation by stepwise, algorithmic testing for treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies, increasing turnaround time (TAT). Additionally, testing algorithms may be falsely negative in early/incubating syphilis and, confirmation of results by overburdened Public Health Laboratories can take weeks to result. Rapid molecular identification can help resolve ambiguous serologic results and speed pathogen identification to clinicians.
This test detects Treponema pallidum, the etiologic agent of syphilis and endemic treponematoses (e.g., yaws and pinta). It can be ordered as a primary diagnostic when syphilis is suspected and is also available reflexively when Bacterial PCR reflex NGS [BCTDNA] or Bacterial DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRBDNA] suggests the presence of T. pallidum below the reporting threshold.
Please note that this assay does NOT distinguish subspecies of T. pallidum.
DNA extraction, nucleic acid purification, Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Acceptable specimens are listed below. Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.
Shipping/Handling
Acceptable Specimens
*Mycobacterium avium complex DNA Detection [MAVDNA] can be ordered on sputum
**Fungal PCR reflex NGS [FUNDNA] and Fungal DNA Detection by PCR (without reflex to NGS) [NRFDNA] may have interference due to some lots of eSwabs which have been found to contain Saccharomyces cerevisiae DNA, resulting in false positive detection. Clinical correlation and/or retesting with a different collection method is advised. The detection of S. cerevisiae from eSwab specimens can interfere with our ability to rule out other fungal DNA.
Unacceptable Specimens
Optimal Quantity:
Please note: We do not need a separate specimen aliquot for each test ordered. Only a single specimen aliquot or block of optimal quantity is necessary for performing multiple tests. If multiple aliquots or blocks of optimal quantity are sent, up to 2 will be pooled.
Fresh tissue is the optimal specimen of choice, as it reduces the chance of introducing exogenous DNA templates or microorganisms during embedding/fixation. Formalin fixation dramatically reduces the sensitivity of the assays due to reduced template yield and quality.
[TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE] Conditionally Acceptable Specimens
Director approval is required for submission of blood samples due to logistical & specimen batching considerations.
Please see Molecular Microbiology Specimen Submission for complete specimen collection and handling instructions.
UWMC/HMC: Store and send fresh tissue/fluid specimens refrigerated, if specimen storage and transport will exceed 8 hours, freeze at -20°C. Freeze all fresh tissue/fluid specimens at -20°C upon arrival in UW Molecular Microbiology.
UW-MT |
Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics
206-520-4600 ---------------------------------------- Shipping Address Attn: Molecular Microbiology Performing Lab Address Clinical Microbiology Lab, NW177 |
Contact Information Please e-mail us with any questions or comments you may have. Your inquiry will be answered as soon as possible. email: molmicdx@uw.edu The Molecular Microbiology lab is open from Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm PDT. Billing inquiries and requests for faxed reports can be made to our Client Services Department at (206) 520-4600 or (800) 713-5198. For results or other inquiries, we can be reached by phone at the following numbers:
For assistance during weekends, holidays and after hours, please contact Lab Medicine Resident at (206) 598-6190 |
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