What is prozone phenomenon in syphilis?

Prozone phenomenon is a false negative response resulting from high antibody titer which interferes with formation of antigen- antibody lattice, necessary to visualize a positive flocculation test. We present a case of secondary syphilis who presented to us with features of contact irritant dermatitis.

What does VDRL mean in medical terms?

Venereal disease research laboratory test; Syphilis – VDRL. The VDRL test is a screening test for syphilis. It measures substances (proteins), called antibodies, which your body may produce if you have come in contact with the bacteria that cause syphilis.

What causes prozone phenomenon?

Prozone phenomenon is a very rare and false negative reaction and occurs due to disproportionately increased antibodies in a specimen. Immune system is responsible for excess antibodies. It is frequently seen in HIV, neurosyphilis, early syphilis (mainly secondary syphilis).

How do you fix Prozone phenomenon?

It can be overcome by appropriate dilution and titration of antisera. We have observed that by simply washing the RBCs once more after the antiglobulin phase the prozone phenomenon is elimi- nated, and the strength of agglutination of RBCs (i.e., the sensitivity of the test) is con- siderably increased.

Where is prozone usually seen?

Prozone phenomenon is seen with very high-titer antibodies in an immune serum.

What is treatment for VDRL positive?

The preferred treatment at all stages is penicillin, an antibiotic medication that can kill the organism that causes syphilis. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your doctor may suggest another antibiotic or recommend penicillin desensitization.

Is VDRL positive for life?

Abnormal white blood cell count and protein level in the CSF should decrease by 6 months if no coexisting CNS infections are present, but CSF-VDRL test results may remain reactive for at least 2 years.

What causes Prozone effect?

The prozone phenomenon generally refers to a false-negative response arising from cases in which high antibody titers interfere with the antigen-antibody lattice network formation that is necessary for visualizing a positive flocculation test.