Wassermann reaction n the complement-fixing reaction that occurs in a positive complement-fixation test for syphilis using the serum of an infected individual
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formerly, the most commonly used test for the diagnosis of syphilis. A sample of the patient's blood is examined, using a complement fixation reaction, for the presence of antibodies to the organism Treponema pallidum. A positive reaction (WR+) indicates the presence of antibodies and therefore infection with syphilis.
A. P. von Wassermann (1866-1925), German bacteriologist
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see under test.Medical dictionary. 2011.