WASSERMANN REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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The Wassermann Reaction is a laboratory test used for the diagnosis of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The test is named after August Paul von Wassermann, a German bacteriologist who developed the method in 1906.
The Wassermann Reaction is an immunological test that detects the presence of antibodies in the blood that are specific to T. pallidum. The process involves the mixing of the patient's serum (the liquid portion of blood) with a solution containing T. pallidum antigen. If the patient has been exposed to syphilis, their serum will contain antibodies that react with the antigen, forming a visible clumping or precipitate. This reaction occurs due to the activation of the complement system, a group of proteins that assist the immune system in destroying foreign substances.
The Wassermann Reaction is considered a non-specific test, meaning that it can yield false-positive results in certain conditions other than syphilis, such as other microbial infections, certain autoimmune diseases, and pregnancy. Therefore, follow-up tests, such as the Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA) or the Treponemal EIA (enzyme immunoassay), are usually performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Despite its limitations, the Wassermann Reaction has been widely used as a screening tool for syphilis detection, especially in areas with limited resources. It has played a crucial role in the early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis, helping to prevent the progression of the disease and its associated complications.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for WASSERMANN REACTION
- qassermann reaction
- aassermann reaction
- sassermann reaction
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- wzssermann reaction
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- wasdermann reaction
Etymology of WASSERMANN REACTION
The term "Wassermann Reaction" is named after August von Wassermann, a German physician and bacteriologist. He developed the Wassermann test, also known as the Wassermann Reaction or Wassermann serological test, as a diagnostic tool for syphilis in 1906. The test is based on the principle of detecting antibodies produced by the body in response to the infection.
The word "Wassermann" itself is derived from the German language and means "water man" or "water carrier". The term is a combination of "Wasser" (water) and "Mann" (man). However, it is important to note that the etymology of the name "Wassermann" is unrelated to the medical test or its significance in diagnosing syphilis.
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