A review is presented of types of clinical specimens used for diagnosis of syphilis by polymerase chain reaction. PCR is a routine method for detection of T. pallidum in swabs of chancres and primary and secondary syphilis mucocutaneous lesions. Whole blood, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, aspirate and biopsy specimens, and paraffin-embedded tissues can also be tested by PCR for T. pallidum. However, further research on PCR detection sensitivity at various stages of syphilis is needed before these specimens are used in clinical practice.

        Key words: syphilis – T. pallidum – clinical specimens – PCR.