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The WR test is a serological test that aims to detect antibodies to the pale spirochete, which causes a dangerous disease such as syphilis. In pregnant women, WR is performed at least twice. It should not be uncommon, but rather a regular check of our health.
WR study in the diagnosis of syphilis
Syphilis (syphilis) as a bacterial disease is transmitted mostly sexually. It is the type of disease that can be acquired, but it also presents itself as an example of a congenital disease that the fetus is infected with from a sick mother during pregnancy. For these pregnant women, syphilis can have serious consequences – from damage to the unborn baby to miscarriage. To prevent this from happening, it is done WR examination in the first and third trimester of pregnancy. What exactly is the diagnosis of this disease and the Wasserman test?
The course of the WR study
In order to perform the initial diagnosis for syphilis should be carried out series of serological diagnoses, in short – WR study. In practice, it looks like that, in human blood, antibodies are detected, which are a reaction to the presence of pale spirochete bacteria. So, non-specific tests to detect antibodies are performed – one of them is WR study, that is, the Wassermann reaction. The results of these tests may indicate not only the presence of pale spirochete, but also a history of syphilis infection. In this case, a negative test result is normal.
When to perform the WR test?
When should you get tested? WR examination can be performed prophylactically to diagnose syphilis, as well as during its treatment. Important information for this procedure is to provide information about suspected sexual contact with an already infected person. WR is also good to perform if there is a suspicion of damage to the nervous system by syphilis – sudden loss of hearing and vision.
What apart from the WR study?
The Wasserman test (WR) is one of the classic serological tests used in the routine diagnosis of syphilis. This group also includes tests such as the VDRL (Veneral Disease Research Laboratory) and USR (Unheated Serum Reagin) tests.
WR is readily available, tests are performed quickly and without problems. Often, however, Wassermann’s test is false-positive. In this case, it is necessary to verify it. To be sure, it still needs to be confirmed by checking spirochetal reactions – TPHA or ELISA.
A false positive result of the WR test occurs:
- after vaccinations,
- after a heart attack,
- during liver diseases, infectious or autoimmune diseases,
- very often this result of the WR test appears in the elderly.
However, it is worth remembering that even a negative Wasserman test result does not guarantee complete exclusion of syphilis. It also happens that the absence of a pale spirochete accompanies symptoms of infection. The rash is preceded by a hard ulcer at the site of bacterial entry, on the external genitalia or around the anus. The rash may appear with general symptoms – chills, high temperature, sore throat and headache, weight loss.
Symptoms may pass by themselves and the disease goes into a latent state, sometimes for many years. The rash itself may seem like a harmless skin lesion, but it has extremely serious consequences. As a result, as the bowel develops, it can involve the nervous, movement, or cardiac systems.
WR examination is designed to reveal syphilis and begin its treatment.
Read also:
- Sexually transmitted diseases – what tests should be done to rule out them?
- How can you become infected with venereal diseases?
- WHO: XNUMX million new sexually transmitted infections – every day!
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