COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING TREPONEMA PALLIDUM

摘要

Methods for the specific and highly sensitive detection of Treponema pallidum infection comprising the use of specific antigenic proteins and peptides unique to Treponema pallidum are provided. In particular, detection assays based recognition of acidic repeat protein are provided. The methods of the present invention are particularly useful for detection of primary syphilis at early stages of infection. In addition, the methods and compositions of the present invention are directed to the differential detection of specific Treponema infections enabling the identification of causative agents for specific Treponema disease states: syphilis Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, yaws Treponema pallidum subspecies pertenue, and bejel Treponema pallidum subspecies endemicum.