False-positive tests for syphilis associated with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus infection among intravenous drug abusers

• Published in: European journal of clinical microbiology & infectious diseases 1998-12, Vol.17 (11), p.784-787
• Main Authors: HERNANDEZ-AGUADO, I, BOLUMAR, F, MORENO, R, PARDO, F. J, TORRES, N, BELDA, J, ESPACIO, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Bacteriological methods and techniques used in bacteriology; Bacteriology; Biological and medical sciences; Drug abuse; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Hepatitis; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Human immunodeficiency virus; Infection; Intravenous administration; Microbiology; Sexually transmitted diseases; STD; Syphilis; Treponema pallidum
• ISSN: 0934-9723; 1435-4373
• DOI: 10.1007/s100960050186

The role of HIV, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus infections in the production of biological false-positive reactions for syphilis was evaluated in two large samples of intravenous drug abusers and homosexual men attending AIDS prevention centers in Spain. A significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for false-positive tests for syphilis [OR 2.23, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.76-2.83] was observed for HIV-seropositive intravenous drug abusers; biological false-positive reactions were also more frequent (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.30-2.31) among intravenous drug abusers who were hepatitis B virus seropositive but not among those who were hepatitis C virus seropositive (OR 0.90; 95% CI 0.48-1.69). Among homosexuals, the association between HIV and biological false-positive reactions was restricted to subjects who were also intravenous drug abusers, indicating the crucial role of intravenous drug abuse. Only 20.5% of intravenous drug abusers with a previous biological false-positive reaction yielded a false-positive result in their subsequent visit.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]