2298. Syphilis. Anticardiolipin RPR - test (Rapid Plasma Reagin)

RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) is a non-treponemal test for detecting active syphilis and assessing treatment effectiveness. It detects anticardiolipin antibodies that appear during infection. It is recommended for screening, diagnosis, and dynamic monitoring.

RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) is a non-treponemal serological test that detects antibodies to lipid antigens (anticardiolipin) that are produced in response to tissue damage caused by Treponema pallidum. This is not a direct test for the pathogen, but rather the body's response to the infection, which correlates with disease activity.

Unlike treponemal tests (IgG/IgM, TPHA), which remain positive for life, RPR changes dynamically:

• it increases during active syphilis (primary, secondary);
• it decreases or becomes negative after effective treatment;
• it is aimed at monitoring the success of therapy (titers decrease by at least 4-fold).

RPR is also used for:

• initial screening (in combination with treponemal tests);
• exclusion of relapse or reinfection in treated patients;
• screening newborns for suspected congenital syphilis.

• If active syphilis is suspected (in combination with treponemal tests).
• In patients with positive IgG or TPHA – to determine the activity of the infection.
• To monitor the effectiveness of syphilis treatment (decrease in titer).
• In pregnant women – screening and follow-up.
• In newborns of infected mothers – to differentiate congenital syphilis.
• In case of recurrence of symptoms or doubts about a complete cure.

• Venous blood

In order to exclude factors that may affect the test results, we recommend to follow the preparation rules: