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🧪 What is Treponema pallidum Haemagglutination (TPHA)?

The TPHA test is a treponemal serological assay used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis. It detects both IgG and IgM antibodies and is used to confirm syphilis infection.

❓ Why is the Test Done?

To:

Confirm diagnosis of syphilis after a positive non-treponemal screening test (e.g., VDRL, RPR)
Detect past or current syphilis infection
Screen at-risk populations, including pregnant women
Assist in diagnosis of latent or late-stage syphilis

📊 Normal Range / Interpretation

Result	Interpretation
Negative	No antibodies detected; no evidence of syphilis infection
Positive	Presence of antibodies indicating current or past infection

📈 Interpretation of Results

Result	Clinical Significance
Positive TPHA	Indicates exposure to Treponema pallidum; remains positive for life even after treatment
Negative TPHA	No evidence of syphilis infection

🧠 Associated Conditions

Condition	Details
Syphilis	Primary, secondary, latent, or tertiary stages
Congenital syphilis	Transplacental infection in fetus
Neurosyphilis	Central nervous system involvement

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

Non-treponemal tests (VDRL, RPR) – for disease activity and monitoring treatment response
Dark field microscopy – direct visualization of spirochetes (rarely used)
CSF analysis – if neurosyphilis suspected
HIV testing – due to common co-infection risk

✅ Fasting Required?

Test	Fasting Required
TPHA	❌ No

📝 Summary Table

Parameter	Details
What	Detects antibodies to Treponema pallidum via haemagglutination
Why	Confirm syphilis infection
Normal Result	Negative; no antibodies detected
Positive Result	Positive lifelong antibody indicating past/current infection
Associated Conditions	Syphilis (all stages), congenital syphilis, neurosyphilis
Follow-up Tests	VDRL, RPR, CSF analysis, HIV testing
Fasting Required	❌ No

Treponema Pallidum Haemagglutination(TPHA)