Neutrophil CD64 index as a potential blood biomarker for the diagnosis of neurosyphilis in secondary and tertiary syphilis: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the correlation of neutrophil CD64 (nCD64) index with neurosyphilis (NS) across different stages of syphilis.

METHODS

A total of 1243 syphilis patients at different stages (344 of primary, 385 of secondary, and 514 of tertiary) included in this study were divided into NS and non-NS (NNS). Correlations of nCD64 index with currently used syphilis biomarkers were explored using Spearman correlation test. Relationships between nCD64 index and NS at different stages were investigated by stratified analysis and restricted cubic spline model. The diagnostic performance of nCD64 index for NS was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

Significant statistical correlations of nCD64 index with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NS indicators were found in secondary and tertiary syphilis. Increased nCD64 index was associated with increased risk of NS in secondary and tertiary syphilis. ROC analysis values further confirmed the diagnostic potential of nCD64 index for NS. Marked decrease of nCD64 index was observed in NS patients after effective antisyphilitic treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The nCD64 index may help to the diagnosis of NS in secondary and tertiary syphilis.