Utility of the Determine Syphilis TP rapid test in commercial sex venues in Peru.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate the utility of the Determine Syphilis TP test performed in Peruvian commercial sex venues for the detection of active syphilis; and determine the feasibility of integrating rapid syphilis testing for female sex workers (FSW) into existing health outreach services.

Methods

We tested 3586 female sex workers for syphilis by Determine in the field using whole blood fingerstick, and by rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) in a central laboratory in Lima using sera.

Results

97.4% of the FSW offered rapid syphilis testing participated; and among those who tested positive, 87% visited the local health centre for treatment. More than twice as many specimens were RPR reactive using serum in Lima

SUBMITTER: Campos PE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2563917 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature