[Practical significance of syphilis serodiagnosis].

Recent developments in syphilis serology are set down. The new specific tests for treponema pallidum are described. Reactivity in different stages of the disease including congenital and neurosyphilis is discussed. An outline is given of the possibilities of the IgM-FTA-ABS and 19 S IgM-FTA-ABS tests. Syphilis serology today requires only 3 tests: a screening procedure, where the specific AMHA-TP is the method of choice, FTA-ABS test should be used for confirmation, and the quantitative VDRL in order to follow up the effectiveness of treatment.