Final answer:
The Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption (FTA-ABS) test is used to confirm a syphilis diagnosis and can be titered to monitor treatment effectiveness. The VDRL test, while more for screening purposes, also aids in treatment monitoring. Both tests are essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
If there is a hole or tear in the wall of the intestine, the contents of the intestine can leak into the peritoneal cavity, causing inflammation and infection.test, which measures non-treponemal antibodies, can be used for screening and for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment through changes in antibody titers.
For definitive diagnosis, treponemal tests like the FTA-ABS or TP-PA (T. pallidum passive particle agglutination) are preferred because they detect antibodies specifically against the spirochete antigens of Treponema pallidum, the causative organism of syphilis.
Both treponemal and nontreponemal tests are used in the diagnosis process.
For pregnant women, testing for syphilis is highly recommended due to risks to the fetus, with penicillin being the treatment of choice.