German bacteriologist who developed a diagnostic test for syphilis (1866-1925).

synonym: August von Wassermann.

A blood test to detect syphilis; a complement fixation test is used to detect antibodies to the syphilis organism treponema; a positive reaction indicates the presence of antibodies and therefore syphilis infection.

synonyms: Wasserman reaction, Wassermann test.

Polish: odczyn Wassermanna