False-positive rapid plasma reagin testing in patients with acute Plasmodium vivax malaria: a case control study

Travel Med Infect Dis. 2014 May-Jun;12(3):268-73. doi: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2013.10.010. Epub 2013 Oct 30.

Abstract

Non-treponemal tests such as the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assay are mainstays of syphilis diagnosis, but false-positive tests are common. We identified false-positive RPR titers in 8.2% of patients with malaria due to Plasmodium vivax in northern Peru. Similar rates were not detected in patients with other acute febrile illnesses.

Keywords: Diagnostic test; Syphilis; Vivax malaria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Demography
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Fever of Unknown Origin / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Malaria, Vivax / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peru
  • Plasmodium vivax / isolation & purification*
  • Reagins / blood*
  • Syphilis / complications*
  • Syphilis Serodiagnosis
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Reagins