• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.18-20
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• 1974

A Serological test for Syphilis by VDRL Slide tests were made to find the degree of treponemal infection. For this study sera were collected from 5, 312 Prostitutes of Seoul, Inchun, Euijungbu, Yangzoo, Pajoo and Pyungtaig from November 27, to December 7, 1972 and were examined on the following items. 1. VDRL Slide Qualitative test. 2. VDRL Slide Quantitative test. As the results of this study the following Conclusions were obtained. 1) This test were obtained average reactive 5.92% for 5, 312 prostitutes in Seoul 7.87% for 254 prostitutes, in Iuchun 6.77% for 354 prostitutes, in Euijungbu 6.62% for 740 prostitutes, in Yangjoo 5.82% for 1, 958 prostitutes, in Pajoo 6.08% for 937 prostitutes and in Pyungtaig 4.82% for 1, 069 prostitutes respectively 2) The highest Reagin titer was 1: 32 serum dilution.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.42-46
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• 2009

Unlike most bacteria, Treponema pallidum subspecies cannot be readily isolated or sustained in cell culture for numerous generations. In korea, two non treponemal tests are currently considered as standard; the VDRL slide test and RPR card test. These tests are based on an antigen composed of an alcoholic solution containing measured amount of cardiolipin, cholesterol, and sufficient purified lecithin to produce reactivity. The nontreponemal reagin tests measure immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG to lipoidal material released from damaged host cells as well as to lipoprotein-like material and possibly by cardiolipin released from the treponemes. The object of the evaluation was to evaluate the performance of the Mediace RPR kit on the automated biochemistry analyzer system as a method for screen method of syphilis as well as to identify BFP possibility. For evaluation of routine screening test, a total 2,380 specimens tested by Mediace RPR from 28th Oct, 2007 to 22th Feb, 2008. For evaluation of BFP possiblility, we measured samples which have potential BFP reaction in Syphilis test such as ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) positive (135 samples), CRP (C-reactive protein) positive (100 samples), RF (Rheumatoid factor) positive (26 samples), and other potential BFP cases (17 samples) including total 278 samples. These samples were tested quantitative test Mediace RPR with Hitachi 7600 P module. For comparison with current manual test, VDRL slide test were performed. Of these 2380 specimens, 2350 were negative, 30 were positive, and one were positive with TPHA. Both methods agreed for 2356 (98.9%) samples. Of the 30 samples showed positive results over 1.0 R.U, 6 samples showed positive results with VDRL test. Of these 6 samples, 1 samples showed positive with TPHA test. The combination of the Automated Biochemistry analyzer and VDRL test for retest can be increase efficiency of syphilis screening test.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.110-122
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• 1978

A study on the morbidity of syphilis among 729 workers in Po Hang and Ul San Industiral Complexes at the routine periodical examination was performed. In addition to the morbidity, factors related to the disease infection such as educational level, religion, preventive measures taken by the workers, history of urethritis, and so on were studied and analysed to check significant relation. The results were as follows: 1. VDRL and RPR tests were undertaken to determine the sensitivity and specificity of RPR test which was utilized for all the workers studied. It revealed 86.4% of sensitivity and 87.7% of specificity from RPR test, and 81.8% of sensitivity and 90.1% of specificity from the VDRL test compared with RPCF test. There were 87.4% of agreement rate between RPR and VDRL. Actually, RPR was more sensitive but less specific than VDRL, and found to be a satisfactory screening test for syphilis especially in the fields. 2. Among the workers in Po Hang Area 24.0% of them revealed reactive result, and in Ul San Area 5.2% revealed reactive result showing 4.6 times of risk among workers in Po Hang Area. 3. There were no statistically significant differences between RPR reactive rates and personal characteristics such as educational level, religion, history of urethritis experience, history of coitus with prostitute, and preventive measures of V.D. taken by workers if evaluated by area of Po Hang and Ul Srn separately. 4. V.D. could be encountered as an occupational disease in certain conditions of working places and the psychosocial problems of workers. And so, it is necessary that all the workers working in special estates such as in Po Hang Industrial Complex should be checked to be screened out by RPR test at periodical examinations and part of pre-employment examination also should include RPR test to be compared with. Regardless of the workmen's compensation, establishment of V.D. treatment clinic or system for such industrial workers is urgently needed. Health education regarding V.D. is another subject to be performed.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.15-23
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• 1968

For the effective control of Syphilis, many investigators have developed a more rapid, simple and economical screening serological test which is adequately sensitive and specific. To fulfill the requirements of a more rapid serologic test for syphlis, a substitute for the conventional serum specimen was needed since considerable time and labor are involved in the processing of blood to serum. Burdon suggested the use of plasma in the serologic tests for syphilis as a substitute for serum. He noticed that plasma was more sensitive than serum in the Kline and Kahn tests, and attributed this to the presence of more antibody-like substance, "reagin" in plasma than in serum. However, to make plasma sufficiently sensitive, it was necessary to inactivate plasma by heating at a temperature of $56^{\circ}C$ for about 30 minutes. Heating of plasma resulted in the precipitation of fibrinogen which made centrifugation necessary to obtain dear plasma. Since the chief disadvantage to the use of unheated plasma(or serum) was a reduction in sensitivity of results-which probably was due to a labile factor such as complement-Portnoy et al began to consider rapid chemical methods of inactivation of plasma(or serum). They experienced that choline chloirde was shown to be anticomplementary which suggested its use as an inactivating agent for unheated plasma(or serum). In 1959 Portnoy et al reported the Rapid Plasma Reagin(RPR) Test for syphilis which is a more rapid, economical and simple. But still this test has many disadvantages as a rapid performing, field and office procedure, because it requires the usual laboratory equipments such as centrifuge, rotating machine, microscope etc. To substitute these disadvantages of the RPR test, in 1962, Portnoy et al developed the Rapid Plasma Reagin(RPR) card test for syphilis, which has the following advantages: a) Simplicity and rapidity of performance, b) Requires no laboratory equipments, c) Stable antigen suspension, d) Adequate sensitivity and specificity. This RPR card test can be used as a rapidly performing and screening test in field investigation, outpatient clinics, small laboratories and hospitals doing limited syphilis serology, and predonor in blood bank. Private clinic which has limited laboratory equipment and technic for syphilis serology can also use this RPR card test as a tool in the rapid diagnosis of syphilis. It was thought that this RPR card test is a useful tool in Korea for private physician and mass survey for syphilis diagnosis. But Portnoy patented the reagents needed for the performing the RPR card test. Therefore authors developed newly the reagents and according to Portnoy's method evaluated the newly developed. RPR card test compared with the VDRL, Kolmer CF, and RPCF tests. The RPR card and VDRL tests were performed plasma and serum from the total 1,132 cases. Among these 1,131 cases, 521 were syphilis suspected laboratory specimens, and 611 were syphilis unsuspected healthy young men. After screening with these two tests, the RPR card and VDRL tests, reactive specimens to the above one or both tests were retested by the Kolmer CF and RPCF tests.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.5-14
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• 1968

Prostitutes living in Songdo beach in Pusan, for two years period (from September 4, 1964 to August 28, 1966) were investigated for the present status and Venereal Diseases. The following results were obtained. 1. Age distribution:The youngest was 18 years old and the oldest 29. The group between 22-25 years old was 72.8%, approximately three fourth of all prostitute. 2. Educational background: From illiterate to college graduated. The group of graduated primary school was 80.7%, approximately four fifth of all prostitutes. 3. Distribution of birth places: From all cities and provinces in Korea except Chejudo Island province. Kyongsang Namdo province was highest(24%), Kyongsan Pukdo province 18%, Pusan city 12%, and Seoul city 11%. 4. Monthly and weekly Venereal Diseases examination to prostitutes: Total examined cases were 7757, consisting of 323 monthly, and 75 weekly. Total numbers of disqualified persons were 592(7.63% of total examined), consisting of 25 monthly, and 6 weekly. 5. Clinical and laboratory findings of the rejected prostitutes at the Venereal Disease examination: Among total cases of rejected 592, gonococcal positive cases were 2.89%, staining by gram's method, cervical erosions 3.53%, and numerous pus cells but gonococcal negative 1.53%. 6. Seasonal distribution of prostitutes : Songdo beach is one of the famous sea shore sightseeing resort in Pusan. Therefore, numbers of prostitutes were increasing in hot season, summer and decreasing in cold season, winter. 7. Number of disqualified prostitutes at the Venereal Disease examination by seasonal trend: In autumn 18.04%, winter 8.68%, spring 5.85%, and summer 4.43%, in order as described, the decreasing tendency was observed. 8. Serolgical tests for syphilis: VDRL slide method and Kolmer-Wassermann reaction were performed to the prostitutes. STS were positive by VDRL slide method in 8.33-33.87%, Kolmer-Wassermann reaction in 8.33-27.42% of the prostitutes. The results of sero-positive of syphilis showed tendency toward gradually increase from 1964 to 1966. 9. Authors were observed only 1 case or soft chancer, but neither lymphogranuloma venereum nor granuloma inguinale were detected.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.409-413
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• 1982

The incidence of syphilitic aortic aneurysm was decreased now a day. The predilection site of cardiovascular syphilis is the thoracic aorta, especially ascending portion. The form of syphilitic aneurysm is characterized by saccular or fusiform. We have experienced 58 year old female complained of intermittent left chest pain for these 2 years. Saccular aneurysm of 7 cm in diameter at the descending thoracic aorta just distal to the left subclavian artery was confirmed with aortogram, and etiologic lesion was suspected as syphilis by her strong positive finding of serum VDRL test. Excision of the aneurysm was done under temporary bypass with heparinized 10mm silicone bypass cannula, and 23 mm Dacron aortic prosthetic graft in 10 cm segment was replaced, and excised aortic segment was confirmed as syphilitic aneurysm on light microscopic examination. Postoperative hospital course was uneventful, and discharged 3 weeks after operation in good normotensive condition. The patient died of CVA 3 months after discharge at home.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.73-96
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• 2004

Along with a development of medical technology, a variety of tests, such as laboratory tests, x-ray and endoscopies are being used in health screening tests. As the tests determine the quality of health screening, test items and methods should be carefully selected. This study was to get hold of the test items of major health screening programs in Korea Most of the health screening programmes focused upon detection of risk factors and diagnosis of life - style related diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, drinking, smoking, cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis) ,cancers (stomach, cervix, lung, breast, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, pancreas, thyroid, esophagus) , infectious diseases (hepatitis, tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted diseases, parasites) , chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, chronic renal diseases (bacteriuria hematuria, proteinuria) , anemia, glaucoma, hearing loss, Alzheimer disease, stress, early psychiatric diseases. The health screening tests were basic physical examination, basic laboratory tests (CBC, urinalysis, liver function tests, lipid tests, glucose, HbAlc, uric acid, electrolytes, serological tests (HBsAg, HBs-Ab, HCV-Ab, HIV-Ab, VDRL) EKG, x-ray (chest PA, CT) , endoscopy (gastroscopy, colonoscopy) , sonography(abdomen, thyroid, pelvis, breast) ,cytology (cervix) , bone density, tumor markets (NMP22, alpha-FP, CEA, CA-19-9, CA12S, PSA) and eye tests. Advanced technologies, like CT, PET, MRI, MRT/Angio, molecular testings) were widely used in hospital health screening programmes .In summary, a variety of tests were utilized in health screening in Korea. Those tests were utilized by stages or according to sex and age in most of health screening programmes, however a few program used tests to excess disregarding health screening subjects.

• Journal of Korea Association of Health Promotion
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.9-25
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• 2004

Along with a development of medical technology, a variety of tests, such as laboratory tests, x-ray and endoscopies are being used in health screening tests. As the tests determine the quality of health screening, test items of major health screening program in Korea. Most, of the health screening programmes focused upon detection of risk factors and diagnosis of life-style related diseases(diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, overweight, drinking, smoking, cerebrovascular diseases, osteoporosis), cancers(stomach, cervix, lung, breast, liver, colon, prostate, ovary, pancreas, thyroid, esophagus), infections diseases(hepatitis, tuberculosis, sexually-transmitted diseases, parasites), chronic obstructive respiratory diseases, chronic renal diseases(bacteriuria, hematuria, proteinuria), anemia, glaucoma, hearing loss, Alzheimer disease, stress and earlypsychiatric diseases. The health screening tests were basic physical examination, basic laboratory tests( CBC, urinalysis, liver function tests, lipid tests, glucose, HbA1c, uric acid, electrolytes, serological tests(HBsAg, HBs-Ab, HCV-Ab, HIV-Ab, VDRL) EKG, x-ray(chest PA, CT) endoscopy(gastroscopy, colonoscopy), sonography (abdomen, thyroid, pelvis, breast), cytology(cervix), bone density, tumor markers(NMP22, alpha-FP, CEA, CA-19-9, CA125, PSA and eye tests. Advanced technologies, like CT, PET, MRI, MRI/Angio, molecular testing were widly used in hospital based health screening programmes. In summary, a variety of tests were untilized in health screening in Korea. Those tests were utilized by stages or according to sex and age in most of health screening programmes, however a few programs used tests excessvely disregarding health screening subjects.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.412-417
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• 1992

Pulmonary artery aneurysm is Behcet`s disease is rare and can be fatal due to rupture. We experienced a case of pulmonary artery aneurysm in Behcet`s disease. The patient was 21 year old woman who was adimitted with three month history of dyspnea, fever and cough. On examination, she had aphthous ulcer in the mouth and erythema nodosum on the left popletial fossa and forearm, but didn`t have any lesion at eyes and genitalia. The latex fixation test for rheumatoid factor, VDRL test for syphillis, antinuclear antibody and LE cell test were all negatives. The third and fourth components of complement in the serum, serum immunoglobulin concentrations[IgG, IgM, IgA] were within normal range. The chest radiography revealed a 5x6cm sized radiopaque mass density in the left hilar region. Two months later, the mass was enlarged to 6x7cm. The IV-DSA showed a single aneurysm at the proximal part of left lower lobe artery with lingular segment artery and no distal perfusion by thombotic obstruction. The steroid therapy was done for a month, but symptoms not improved. We performed resection of lingular segment and lower lobe including the aneurysm. The microscopic findings of the operative specimen were intimal hyperplasia and fragmentation of the internal elastic fibers. She was improved without remarkable event, except infection of the operative wound.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.85-87
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• 2010

We experienced a rare case of solitary syphilitic osteomyelitis of the skull without any other clinical signs or symptoms of syphilis. A 20-year-old man was referred due to intermittent headache and mild tenderness at the right parietal area of the skull with a palpable coin-sized lesion of softened cortical bone. On radiological studies, the lesion was a radiolucent well enhanced mass (17 mm in diameter). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (52 mm/h) and C-reactive protein (2.24 mg/dL) were elevated on admission. Serum venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) tests were positive. There were no clinical signs or symptoms of syphilis. After treatment with benzathine penicillin, we removed the lesion and performed cranioplasty. The pathologic finding of the skull lesion was fibrous proliferation with lymphoplasmocytic infiltration forming an osteolytic lesion. In addition, a spirochete was identified using the Warthin-starry stain. The polymerase chain reaction study showed a positive band for Treponema pallidum. Solitary osteomyelitis of the skull can be the initial presenting pathological lesion of syphilis.