Korean J Lab Med.  2003 Dec;23(6):401-404.

PCR Detection of the DNA Polymerase I Gene of Treponema pallidum from a Case of Atypical Primary Syphilis

• Lee G
• Rheem I

Abstract

Syphilis is easily diagnosed by serologic testing or by identification of the causative organism, Treponema pallidum. Syphilis usually presents a distinct painless primary ulcer or chancre. However, the initial clinical impressions of even the most experienced specialist in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), may be wrong 40% of the time. We report a case of atypical primary syphilis that was presented with painful ulceration on the penis and showing negative VDRL results. We amplified the DNA polymerase I gene of Treponema pallidum in the penile ulcer lesion to detect syphilis and got the a successful result. The patient was treated with benzathine penicillin G.

Keyword

Syphilis; DNA polymerase I; PCR

MeSH Terms

Chancre
DNA Polymerase I*
Humans
Male
Penicillin G Benzathine
Penis
Polymerase Chain Reaction*
Serologic Tests
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Specialization
Syphilis*
Treponema pallidum*
Ulcer
DNA Polymerase I
Penicillin G Benzathine