Which of the following is an important detection technique for syphilis ?

Options

A. Gram staining of the discharge
B. Nucleic acid hybridization, PCR
C. Antibody detection, e.g., VDRL
D. Microscopic examination of culture

Answer

To determine the important detection technique for syphilis, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understand the Disease**: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

2. **Identify Detection Techniques**: The question provides four options for detection techniques:
- A) Gram staining of the discharge
- B) Nucleic acid hybridization PCR
- C) Antibody detection, example VDRL
- D) Microscopic examination of culture

3. **Evaluate Each Option**:
- **Option A**: Gram staining is not effective for Treponema pallidum because it is a Gram-negative bacterium and does not retain the stain well.
- **Option B**: Nucleic acid hybridization PCR is a modern technique but is not the primary method used for routine syphilis testing.
- **Option C**: Antibody detection tests, such as VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test, are commonly used to detect antibodies against Treponema pallidum in the blood.
- **Option D**: Microscopic examination of culture is not typically used for diagnosing syphilis, as Treponema pallidum is difficult to culture.

4. **Select the Best Option**: Based on the evaluation, option C (Antibody detection, example VDRL) is the most important detection technique for syphilis.

5. **Conclusion**: The correct answer is option C, which indicates that antibody detection, specifically through the VDRL test, is a key method for diagnosing syphilis.

### Final Answer:
The important detection technique for syphilis is **Option C: Antibody detection, example VDRL**.

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