Can a positive TPPA diagnosis of syphilis in infants be confirmed?

A positive TPPA for syphilis in infants does not confirm the diagnosis. The TPPA test uses gelatin particles sensitized by syphilis spirochetes, which bind to anti-syphilis spirochete antibodies in human serum and produce a visible agglutination reaction with high sensitivity and specificity. However, a single positive TPPA does not confirm the diagnosis of syphilis, and a combination of non-syphilis spirochete tests, such as the rapid plasma reactive protein test (RPR), is required. The diagnosis can also be confirmed by taking specimens from susceptible areas such as placenta, amniotic fluid, skin lesions, etc., and finding the syphilis spirochetes under a dark-field microscope. It is recommended to go to the dermatology department, complete the relevant examinations, and follow the doctor’s instructions for follow-up treatment.