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Table 1 Performance of T pallidum PCR by syphilis stage and lesion site

From: A longitudinal evaluation of Treponema pallidumPCR testing in early syphilis

Category

Breakdown

PCR- pos/ serology- pos

Sensitivity (95% CI)

PCR- neg/ serology-neg

Specificity (95% CI)

Lesion stage

Primary lesions(a)

49/55

89.1 (77.8-95.9)

200/202

99.1 (96.5-99.9)

Secondary lesions(b)

11/22

50.0 (28.2-71.8)

9/9

100.0 (66.4-100)

Lesion site

Penile ulcer

30/33

90.9 (75.7-98.1)

68/70

97.1 (90.0-99.7)

Anal ulcer

16/16

100.0 (79.4-100)

88/88

100.0 (95.9-100*)

Oral ulcer

3/6

50.0 (11.8-88.2)

44/44

100.0 (91.9-100)

Generalised rash

6/17

35.3 (14.2-61.7)

9/9

100.0 (66.4-100)

Perianal condylomata lata/snail track ulcers of the mouth

5/5

100.0 (47.8-100)

-

-

  1. (a)=penile, anal and oral ulcers.
  2. (b)= Generalised rash, perianal condylomata lata, and snail track ulcers of the mouth.