Syphilis in Transfusion Medicine

This topic addresses Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, as one of the mandatory Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs) screened in blood donors in Zambia. Tertiary-level students will explore the stages of syphilis (primary, secondary, latent, tertiary), its clinical manifestations, and the associated risk of enhanced HIV transmission. The module focuses on laboratory diagnosis, particularly the non-treponemal tests (RPR, VDRL) used for screening and monitoring treatment, and treponemal tests (FTA-ABS, MHA-TP) for confirmation. Key concepts like the prozone phenomenon and serofast status are explained. For students in medical laboratory science and public health in Zambia, understanding syphilis serology is essential for performing and interpreting donor screening tests accurately. Although transfusion-transmitted syphilis is rare due to spirochete fragility during storage, its screening remains a regulatory requirement and an important component of comprehensive donor health assessment, making this knowledge vital for compliance and professional practice in blood transfusion services.