Use of the polymerase chain reaction to detect DNA sequences specific to pathogenic treponemes in cerebrospinal fluid

摘要: The polymerase chain reaction was used to detect Treponema pallidum in specimens of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), as a means diagnosing syphilis. Segments the TmpA and 4D genes were amplified provide an estimated threshold sensitivity approximately 65 organisms 0.5 ml. A spectrum pathogens known cause meningitis, several non-pathogenic treponemes unreactive. pertenue, only one 30 control CSF positive. In contrast, 10 19 CSFs from patients being evaluated for latent or tertiary syphilis positive, 7 28 HIV-positive patients.