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  • Title: Reflectance confocal microscopy for the in vivo detection of Treponema pallidum in skin lesions of secondary syphilis.
    Author: Venturini M, Sala R, Semenza D, Santoro A, Facchetti F, Calzavara-Pinton P.
    Journal: J Am Acad Dermatol; 2009 Apr; 60(4):639-42. PubMed ID: 19293012.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Secondary syphilis is a diagnostic challenge that relies on microscopic and laboratory tests. OBJECTIVE: We sought to assess the usefulness of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) to detect Treponema pallidum in lesions suggestive of secondary syphilis. METHODS: Macular and papular skin lesions from 3 patients clinically suggestive of secondary syphilis were imaged by RCM and confirmed by skin punch biopsy. RESULTS: In all lesions RCM demonstrated elongated small bright particles with a spiral shape intermingled with the keratinocytes. These features corresponded with immunohistochemical findings that revealed several spirochetes infiltrating the epidermis. LIMITATIONS: Unlike immunohistochemistry, RCM did not visualize T pallidum in the dermis and vascular walls because of limited imaging depth. The specificity and sensitivity of this technique need to be assessed. CONCLUSION: RCM may be an effective diagnostic tool for in vivo real-time imaging of T pallidum in skin lesions of secondary syphilis, and seems to correlate well with immunohistochemistry.
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