Wasserman test

Definition

The Wasserman test is a serological assay used to detect syphilis by identifying the presence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum. It is based on the principle of complement fixation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Developed by August von Wassermann in 1906, it was one of the first blood tests for syphilis.
2. The test detects reagin antibodies produced in response to lipids released from damaged cells and the treponemal bacteria itself.
3. A positive Wasserman reaction indicates that the patient's serum contains antibodies specific to syphilis.
4. It has largely been replaced by more modern and accurate tests such as VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) and RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) tests.
5. Despite its historical importance, the Wasserman test can yield false positives due to cross-reactivity with other conditions like lupus or malaria.

Review Questions

• What is the primary purpose of the Wasserman test?
• Who developed the Wasserman test and in what year?
• Why has the Wasserman test been largely replaced by modern diagnostic methods?

Related terms

Complement Fixation Test: A type of assay that measures whether immune complexes can fix complement.

VDRL Test: A screening test for syphilis that detects nonspecific antibodies against cardiolipin-lecithin-cholesterol antigen.

RPR Test: A rapid diagnostic tool for syphilis that also detects nonspecific anti-lipid antibodies.