Fig 1.
Multiple comparisons of log anti-T. pallidum titers in 4 groups with a different stage of genital ulceration in baboons
([CNA] = clinically non-affected (n = 20), [INI] = initial (n = 14), [MOD] = moderate (n = 7), and [SEV] = severe genital ulceration (n = 16); for stage definition see [18]), GU = genital ulceration. Anti-T. pallidum antibody quantification was investigated using the Serodia TP-PA. Kruskal-Wallis test using Dunn’s correction for multiple comparison: CNA vs. SEV mean rank diff. = -30.04, p ≤ 0.0001; CNA vs. MOD mean rank diff. = -19.95, p ≤ 0.05; INI vs. SEV mean rank diff. = -17.56, p ≤ 0.05. (mean ± SEM).
Table 1.
Performance characteristics of the serological tests used in this study, as reported by the manufacturer. Sen = Sensitivity, Spec = Specificity, n.p. = not provided.
Table 2.
Definitions used to determine the infectious stage of baboons.
Table 3.
Comparison of treponemal serological tests with the results of the Serodia TP-PA.
Table 4.
Comparison of the serological tests with the consensus of infection status (Table 2).
Table 5.
Crosstab of the results obtained from 57 baboon and 11 control samples.
Fig 2.
T. pallidum test algorithm for the screening of wild non-treated baboons.
Based on the test performances Espline TP is recommended as the initial screening test followed by a confirmatory test e.g. Mastablot TP IgG that has been identified as most reliable standard. Dashed lines indicate reported results, while continuous lines represent the workflow.