Korean J Dermatol.  1982 Aug;20(4):537-543.

Recent Trends of Syphilis Prevalence in Normal Population in Korea - 1981

• Lee JB
• Lee SN
• Lee HE
• Song KS

Abstract

Serologic tests for syphilis including VDRLand FTA-ABS tests have been carried out in 2,753 VISA applicants for emigration, 8, 501 blood donors and 2, 588 pregnant women from January to December 1981. We have also been observing biologic false positive rate in 759 VDRL-reactive persons among those tested for STS in Severance Hospital in the year 1981, All the above subjects were twenty years old or over. The results are summarized as follows: l. I 2, 753 VISA applicants, VDRL test showed postive in 42 applicants (l. 5 %). Of these 42 applicants, 37(1. 3%) had a rmotie FTA ABS test. 2. In 8,501 blood donors, the reactive rate for the VLRL test was 1.0pk. 3. ln 2, 588 pregnent women, the VDRL test showed gositive in 20 women (0.8%). Of these 20 women, l8(0.7%) had a reactive FTA-ABS test. 4. The cuantitative test of VL'RL resulted in low titer below 1: 4 in 97. 6% of VDRL-reactive VISA applicants and in 85. 0% of VLRL-reactive pregnant women, 5. The overall biologic false positive rate was 8. 7/o in 759 VDRL-reactive persons amorg those tested for STS in Severance Hospital in time year l98l, using the FTA-ABS test as the standard. In particular, it was higher, namely l7. 0/a, in 32 persons who were wezkly reactive to the VDRL test. From the results it is clear that the prevalence of syphilis is gradually decreasing recently compared to the mid 1970 s.

MeSH Terms

Blood Donors
Emigration and Immigration
Female
Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption Test
Humans
Korea*
Pregnant Women
Prevalence*
Serologic Tests
Syphilis*