title: Treponemal infection coexisting with systemic lupus erythematosus.
abstract: A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)/erosive arthritis overlap is described who was also shown to have late latent treponemal infection. The possibility of serological reactivation is discussed. Since antiphospholipid antibodies are the basis of the reagin tests for syphilis as well as being present in patients with SLE, difficulties with diagnosis may ensue.
authors.affiliation: Bloomsbury Rheumatology Unit, London.
authors.forename: V B
authors.initials: VB
authors.lastname: Dhillon
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Keeling
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Ridgway
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Snaith
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Isenberg
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D014211:Treponemal Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis