10/16/2026
VDRL testing in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a nontreponemal assay used to support the diagnosis of neurosyphilis caused by Treponema pallidum. The infection can invade the central nervous system, triggering inflammation and tissue injury that may affect the meninges, brain, and spinal cord. CSF-VDRL detects antibodies against lipoidal antigens released during cellular damage and associated with the infection. A reactive CSF-VDRL result, in the absence of significant blood contamination, is highly specific for neurosyphilis and provides strong diagnostic evidence. However, its limited sensitivity means a nonreactive result does not exclude the disease. Results should be interpreted alongside neurological findings, serum syphilis serology, CSF cell count, protein levels, and clinical history to guide diagnosis and treatment.